9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – November 21st, 2022

Dear Friends,

We have initiated some changes in the 9 PM Brief and other postings related to current affairs. What we sought to do:

  1. Ensure that all relevant facts, data, and arguments from today’s newspaper are readily available to you.
  2. We have widened the sources to provide you with content that is more than enough and adds value not just for GS but also for essay writing. Hence, the 9 PM brief now covers the following newspapers:
    1. The Hindu  
    2. Indian Express  
    3. Livemint  
    4. Business Standard  
    5. Times of India 
    6. Down To Earth
    7. PIB
  3. We have also introduced the relevance part to every article. This ensures that you know why a particular article is important.
  4. Since these changes are new, so initially the number of articles might increase, but they’ll go down over time.
  5. It is our endeavor to provide you with the best content and your feedback is essential for the same. We will be anticipating your feedback and ensure the blog serves as an optimal medium of learning for all the aspirants.
    • For previous editions of 9 PM BriefClick Here
    • For individual articles of 9 PM BriefClick Here

Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

GS Paper 3

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

A place for all refugees under India’s welfare umbrella

Source– The post is based on the article “A place for all refugees under India’s welfare umbrella” published in The Hindu on 20th November 2022.

Syllabus: GS2- Mechanisms for protection of vulnerable sections. GS2- International relations

Relevance: Protection of women refugees

News- The article explains the need for protection of women refugees especially in the context of India. It also explains the steps taken by India for women empowerment and protection.

Why is there a need for global protection for women?

There is global increase in reported domestic violence, child marriage, trafficking, sexual exploitation and abuse.

The coup in Myanmar, a Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have each underscored the fact that women bear a disproportionate burden in conflict,

COVID-19 has further exacerbated the situation. Important markers in gender equality and the protection of civilians have been reversed in many countries.

What are initiatives by India for women empowerment?

Indian women received universal suffrage during India’s independence in 1947. During the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, India was instrumental in ensuring that gender sensitive norms were respected.

India has also ratified key international conventions to end discrimination against women which include the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).

Women in India continue to make progress in politics, science, business, medicine, sports and agriculture. Women have overcome “the glass ceiling” in the armed forces. Today, India has the largest number of women in the United Nations peacekeeping forces.

The central and State governments have launched new schemes, policies and programmes for women empowerment.

Marginalised populations, such as refugees, have access to protection and assistance services. The ‘Nari Shakti for New India’ campaign represents the aspirations of millions of women in India.

What is the case of refugees in India?

There are over 212000 refugees in India including those supported by the Government of India. More than half of whom are women and girls.

India ensures that refugees can access protection services at par with their fellow Indian citizens. Refugees registered directly by the Government are entitled to Aadhaar cards and PAN cards to enable their economic and financial inclusion. They can have access to national welfare schemes and contribute effectively to the Indian economy.

Refugees registered with the UNHCR  have access to protection and limited assistance services. But they do not possess government-issued documentation. Thus, they are unable to open bank accounts, benefit from all government welfare schemes.

There is a need to include all refugees in existing national welfare and economic schemes regardless of their legal status. It will ensure India’s commitment to women empowerment and protection.


Threat to federalism in agricultural education

Source– The post is based on the article “Threat to federalism in agricultural education” published in The Hindu on 20th November 2022.

Syllabus: GS2- Issues and challenges pertaining to federal structure

Relevance: Centre-state legislative relations

News- The article explains the issues related to KUFOS judgement by Kerala High Court

What is KUFOS judgement?

It annulled the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor of the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS). The court said that the appointment violated the UGC Regulations of 2018.

It listed two specific violations: (a) the search committee recommended a single name and not a panel; and (b) in the search committee, the State government included the Director-General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) instead of a UGC nominee.

What are the issues related to judgement?

It weakens the principle of federalism. It dismantles the role of State governments in the governance of agricultural universities.

It raises an existential threat for the facilitator and coordinator of agricultural education – the ICAR. It has sought to substitute the role of the ICAR with the UGC’s Regulations.

It also jeopardises the ICAR’s efforts to ensure a minimum level of uniformity in agricultural education. The Model Act for agriculture universities stipulates three members in the search committee for Vice-Chancellors: the Director-General of ICAR; one nominee of the government; and one nominee of the Chancellor.

The KUFOS judgement makes the presence of the ICAR representative invalid. In short, all appointments of Vice-Chancellors of State agricultural, veterinary, fisheries universities made under the ICAR’s Model Act are likely to be rendered untenable.

What are the constitutional provisions related to agriculture education?

Agriculture education is included in the state list in the seventh schedule. Entry 14 of List II reads: “Agriculture, including agricultural education and research”.

Education is on the Concurrent List. Entry 25 of List III reads: “Education, including technical education, medical education and universities, subject to the provisions of entry 66 of List”. But there is no mention of agricultural education in Entry 25 of List III.

The legal implication is that agricultural education is not subject to Entry 66 of List I. Entry 66 of List I provides the basis for the applicability of UGC Regulations 2018.

The basis of the KUFOS judgement is that Entry 66 of List I provides the basis for the applicability of UGC Regulations 2018.

The poor applicability of Entry 66 of List I is the reason why agricultural universities have been facilitated and coordinated by the ICAR, even when they were governed by State governments.

What are some facts about ICAR?

The ICAR has had a unique legal status. It was established in 1929 as a department of the Government of India. It was also a society registered under the Societies Registration Act. In 1973, the Department of Agricultural Research and Education was set up under the Agriculture Ministry.

The purpose was to facilitate agricultural research and education, coordinate between the Centre and States, and administrate the ICAR.

ICAR has not overstepped into the constitutional jurisdiction of the State governments. For instance,ICAR proposed the Model Act for Agricultural Universities in India to bring uniformity in administration.


10 steps to make quasi-judicial courts work for the people

Source: The post is based on an article “10 steps to make quasi-judicial courts work for the people” published in The Indian Express on 21st November 2022.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Governance

Relevance: measures required to improve quasi-judicial agencies.

News: There is a class of quasi-judicial agencies that are generally handled by the revenue authorities and are largely relate to land, tenancy, excise, or preventive functions under the Criminal Procedure Code.

These agencies are important but they face many issues.

What are the issues faced by quasi-judicial agencies?

Work overload: These quasi-judicial agencies are staffed by revenue authorities who have several other functions such as law and order, coordination and other administrative functions which leaves them with much less time for court work.

Understaffed: Many of the agencies are understaffed.

Lack of electronic platform: These agencies do not have computers and video recorders or supporting activities such as the filing of cases and sending summons. Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are only some of the states that have these facilities.

Lack of knowledge: Many presiding officers lack proper knowledge of law and procedures.

Harassment of citizens: Due to the workload and understaffing, speedy justice is not made which harasses citizens.

Lack of adequate supervision: These agencies are not properly supervised by the administrative and political leadership. This leads to inadequate data on the pendency of the cases which becomes the reason for understaffing.

Therefore, there is a need to address these issues.

What is the way forward?

First, the proper functioning of these agencies should be the priority for the government.

Second, detailed data on the functioning of these agencies must be collected and published from time to time. It should be laid before the concerned legislature and the staff strength should be decided based on these data. It will ensure accountability.

Third, an electronic platform should be established to handle all subsidiary work related to the administration of justice. This would help in analysing the functioning of these bodies.

Fourth, annual inspections of the subordinate courts should be made mandatory by the superior authority. The training of presiding officers should be decided based on these inspections.

Fifth, interdisciplinary research on the functioning of these courts should be encouraged. This would identify the areas of improvement such as legal reforms or issue of clear guidelines.

Sixth, regular training and orientation of the adjudicating authorities should be taken up from time to time.

Seventh, the state index of performance of these quasi-judicial courts should be published. It would help those states lacking in the index to focus on the improvement of these agencies.

Eighth, important decisions, guidelines and directions could be compiled and published on the portal of the apex adjudicating forum such as the Board of Revenue. These would be helpful for lower-level agencies.

Ninth, proper training should be given to the officials handling judicial work in the revenue courts.

Tenth, reform proposed by the Law Commission for reform of the Civil Procedure Code along with other procedural reforms should be adopted by these adjudicating bodies.


Decoding The New PDP Bill

Source: The post is based on an article “Decoding The New PDP Bill” published in The Times of India on 21st November 2022.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Governance

Relevance: provisions of the new draft Digital Personal Data Protection Bill

News: The draft of the Digital Personal Data Protection (PDP) bill has been recently released. This article discusses the provision of the draft bill.

What are the provisions under the daft bill?

  1. a) It focuses on personal data and excludes non personal data, b) It eliminates the categorisation of personal data into sensitive and critical c) It has restricted cross-border data flows which was not present in the previous data protection bill d) It provides for the setting up a new regulatory board.

What is the new regulatory board?

Data Protection Board: The bill provides for setting up a Data Protection Board with roles limited to enforcement and penalties. The earlier regulator, the Data Protection Authority had a wider role than the current regulator.

Appointment: The government will appoint members, prescribe terms and conditions of appointment, and decide other functions of the regulator which were earlier done either by a statute or an expert committee.

Although the draft says that the regulator will be independent but government now has greater control.

The Board can accept a voluntary undertaking from the person facing action. This undertaking can be later modified and no further action can be taken for the contents, depending on the consent between the Board and person.

What are the details provided for localisation of data and cross border data transfers?

The present draft does not require localisation of data like the previous bill. However, it also does not allow free flows of data across borders. It says –

Businesses can only transfer data to countries that are notified by the Indian government.

It allows the government to discuss digital trade and allow the flow of data only with those countries that are whitelisted by the government. It does not provide for alternate mechanisms like contracts or certifications to transfer data out of the country.

This means that data can only be transferred if the country is notified by the government else the data will be localized. However, the mechanism of notifying the countries is not mentioned in the daft.

What penalties are proposed by the draft bill and what are the guidelines for individuals?

It imposes penalties upto Rs 500 crore for violations of the guidelines but these penalties cannot be claimed by individuals for the harm they suffer.

The bill also provides the duty an individual has to follow such as they should not register irrelevant complaints and must provide authentic information when seeking correction of their data. The bill imposes a fine upto Rs 10,000 on individuals failing to abide by the duties.

Further, it does not allow individuals to port their data across platforms. They also do not enjoy the same rights and safeguards over their data against the state as they do against private companies.

Who is exempted from the law?

State bodies are exempted from the application of the law in the interests of India’s sovereignty and integrity, security, foreign relations, public order and others. There is also no bar on the time period of keeping data by the government agencies.

The previous bill contained “just, fair, reasonable and proportionate” procedure for the exemption but this is missing in the current bill. However, states are expected to follow the fundamental right to privacy while dealing with data.


G20: Lessons from Bali summit and what it implies for India’s presidency

Source: The post is based on the article “G20: Lessons from Bali summit and what it implies for India’s presidency” published in the Business Standard on 21st November 2022.

Syllabus: GS – 2: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Relevance: About G20’s joint communique and its lessons for India.

News: The recent G20 Summit in Bali concluded by the release of a joint communique.

Why signing a joint communique is an achievement?

Getting 20 leaders to sign up for one document in today’s sharply divided world is in itself remarkable. This is because any final document would have to deal with the Ukraine war.

However, a joint communique was reached due to a) The absence of the Russian President from G20 Summit, b) Indonesia focused primarily on the impact of the invasion on global food supplies.

Read more: Preparing for the presidency – On Assuming G20 Presidency
What is the importance of G20 in international agreements?

The G-20 is one of the few effective organisations functioning at its best level. For instance, the G20 arrived at a joint communique despite the issues such as, a) The effects of the war in Ukraine on global supply chains and inflation and b) Trade tensions between the US and China have congealed into open disagreement along multiple frontiers and momentum towards “decoupling”.

The above mentioned issues reduced the relevance of United Nations frameworks for agreement and dispute resolution from the Conference of the Parties on climate change to the World Trade Organization.

Read more: Heading the G20 and New Delhi’s choices
What are the lessons for India as a G20 President?

a) Like Indonesia, India too needs to lay the groundwork for dealing with the agenda well in advance, b) The G20 agenda must not be driven by the West or by Moscow and Beijing. Instead, it should be driven by middle powers such as Argentina, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, etc, c) India must find like-minded allies like the Indonesians clearly relied on the Indians, d) India should underline the importance of the G-20.

Read more: During its G20 presidency, India can be a voice for developing world

GS Paper 3


Why an election in Jammu and Kashmir is urgently needed, for India and Pakistan

Source– The post is based on the article “Why an election in Jammu and Kashmir is urgently needed, for India and Pakistan” published in The Indian Express on 20th November 2022.

Syllabus: GS3- Role of state and no-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.

Relevance: Kashmir issue

News- The article explains the need for elections in Jammu & Kashmir for better peace prospects.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s speech at the UN pleaded for neighbourhood peace last month. But army intelligence reportedly approved a heavily-funded plan to disrupt next year’s J&K elections.

What are the characteristics of the Pakistan state?

America has used Pakistan for Cold War spying, Afghan Mujahideen hospitality, and Nixon’s 1972 detente with Mao.

Pakistani politics have been sabotaged by Generals. Army is the main controlling power.

General Zia used the religious card by unleashing the ISI, allowing the Tabhligi Jammat to operate freely within the military, requiring comments on an officer’s religious sincerity in evaluation forms, and embracing the Ghazwa-E-Hind propagated by Jamaat-e-Islami.

Since 1987, Pakistan is exporting terrorism.

Pakistan’s sovereignty is compromised by its relationship with China. China is an all weather friend of Pakistan. The relationship is called “higher than the Himalayas, deeper than the Indian Ocean, and sweeter than honey”.

What has been the traditional character of J&K society?

Religious tolerance has been the tradition of Kashmir. In Kashmir Shaivism dates back to 850. There is a large peaceful Shia population, there was a large peaceful Pandit population.

Most Sunnis are moderate. Unlike Pakistan Ahmadiyyas, are not prosecuted. There were no gunshot deaths before 1987.

Why are elections necessary in J&K?

An election next year in J&K would result in new electoral equations, ballot structures, and context.

Election compromises, statehood restoration and new local politicians are the paths to peace.

Entitled dynasty claims that J&K elections will fail because fear is holding back talented local candidates from forming new parties,forging coalitions, and forgetting the past. But there are

many fearless academicians, civil servants and civil society members who don’t believe in this logic.


Charting the economic journey ahead

Source– The post is based on the article “Charting the economic journey ahead” published in The Hindu on 20th November 2022.

Syllabus: GS3- Indian economy and growth

Relevance: Boosting the growth of economy

News- The article explains the trends of economic growth in India. It also explains the steps that are needed to be taken for high growth.

What is the trend of economic growth in the Pre-independence period?

India’s economic progress in the first half of the 20th century under British rule was dismal. According to one estimate, during the five decades, India’s annual growth rate was just 0.89%. Per capita income grew at 0.06%.

What is the trend in Post independence India?

Till 1970s- In the early period, India’s strategy of development comprised four elements. These elements are raising the savings and investment rate; dominance of state intervention; import substitution, and domestic manufacture of capital goods.

India’s average growth till the end of the 1970s remained modest. It was 3.6%. The per capita income growth rate was 1.4%.

However, on certain health and social parameters, such as the literacy rate and life expectancy, there were noticeable improvements. Initially, India had to rely on the heavy imports of foodgrains. But, there was a breakthrough in agriculture after the Green Revolution.

The industrial base also widened. India became capable of producing a wide variety of goods including steel and machinery.

1970s to liberalisation reforms-The Indian economy did grow at 5.6% in the 1980s. But it was accompanied by a sharp deterioration in the fiscal and current account deficits. The Indian economy faced its worst crisis in 1991-92.

After liberalisation– Between 1992-93 and 2000-01, GDP at factor cost grew annually by 6.20%. Between 2001-02 and 2012-13, it grew by 7.4%.

The best performance was between 2005-06 and 2010-11 when GDP grew by 8.8%. This is the highest growth experienced by India over a sustained period of five to six years.

During this period, the investment rate reached a peak of 39.1% 2007-08. There was a corresponding increase in the savings rate. The current account deficit remained low at an average of 1.9%.

The growth story suffered a setback after 2011-12. The growth rate fell to 4.5% in 2012-13. The growth rate since then has seen ups and downs. It touched the 3.7% level in 2019-20.

India today is the fifth largest economy. However, in relation to per capita income, it is a different story. In 2020, India’s rank was 142 out of 197 countries.

What is the way forward to economic growth?

Increasing growth rate– There is a need to raise the growth rate. Calculations show that if India achieves a 7% rate of growth continuously over the next two decades and more, it will make a substantial change to the level of the economy. India may almost touch the status of a developed economy.

India needs to raise the Gross Fixed Capital Formation rate from the current level of 28% of GDP to 33% of GDP for 7% growth rate.India maintains the incremental capital output ratio at 4. It is a reflection of the efficiency of capital. India can comfortably achieve a 7% rate of growth.

Raising the investment rate depends on a number of factors. A proper investment climate must be created and sustained. While public investment should also rise. The major component of investment is private investment. It depends on a stable financial and fiscal system. The importance of price stability in this context cannot be ignored.

Other areas– India’s development strategy must be multidimensional. It needs a strong export sector. A strong manufacturing sector should be promoted. The organised segment of this sector must also increase.

India must also strengthen the system of social safety nets. Growth without equity is not sustainable.

An open economy with some limitations is still the best route to follow.

What factors need to be considered?

The rapid pace of globalisation will slow down for a variety of reasons. Some countries which were champions of globalisation are making a retreat. The Russia-Ukraine war has exposed the problems related to the supply chain.

The external environment is not going to be conducive. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development reports a secular decline in growth in developed countries. Environmental considerations may also act as a damper on growth.


Incremental win – COP-27 commits to compensation fund, but leaves important questions for later

Source: The post is based on the following articles

“COP27: A lost opportunity” published in the Indian Express on 21st November 2022.

“Incremental win – COP-27 commits to compensation fund, but leaves important questions for later” published in The Hindu on 21st November 2022.

“Weather Shifts In Climate Talks” published in The Times of India on 21st November 2022.

Syllabus: GS – 3: Climate Change.

Relevance: About Loss and Damages (L&D) fund.

News: The UNFCCC 27th Conference of Parties (COP27) members agreed to expand the COP’s agenda to include the demand to compensate countries that suffer climate change-related loss and damages.

About the creation of a Loss and Damages (L&D) fund

The initiative to Loss and Damages (L&D) was first initiated by the island nation of Vanuatu and the Alliance of Small Island States.

This is because the mitigation and adaptation do not address the concerns of countries with the highest vulnerability to climate change. But recent impacts such as floods in Pakistan led to the amplification of the demands for climate reparations.

The US and the EU resisted this sighting a) Existing funds should be diverted for the reparations, b) The EU demands big emitting developing countries should be included as potential donors, not as recipients.

But the developing countries saw this as a tactic to create a rift amongst themselves and criticised it. In the end, they agreed to generate a fund.

What is the structure of the Loss and Damages (L&D) fund?

L&D refers to impacts of climate change that cannot be avoided either by mitigation (cutting greenhouse gas emissions) or adaptation (modifying practices to buffer against climate change impacts).

Coverage: The fund will only support countries most vulnerable to climate change. Hence, it might not include India.

L&D also include not only economic damage to property but also loss of livelihoods, and the destruction of biodiversity and sites that have cultural importance. This broadens the scope for affected nations to claim compensation.

Contributors: The estimated L&D is already over $500 billion. But, COP 27 only commit to generating a fund. The amount of contributions by nations will be determined in future COP negotiations. The contribution also includes the private sector and philanthropies.

So, the L&D fund might take years before it can meaningfully operate.

Significance: From now on, a certain “liability” will be put on big polluters and they will be under a moral, if not legal, obligation to support vulnerable countries.

Read more: “In our LiFEtime” Campaign launched by India at COP 27, Sharm El-Sheikh
What are the important proposals left in COP27?

– The COP 27 agreement does mention that $4 trillion will be required every year to meet the renewable energy targets till 2030. This again highlights that the rich countries are nowhere close to delivering on their commitment to providing $100 billion every year.

– The progress on action to keep temperatures from rising beyond 1.5°C of pre-industrial levels was also limited.

– All the studies indicate that controlling global warming requires action on all fossil fuels, not just coal. India initiated talks, and it was supported by nearly 80 countries, including the US and EU. But Russia and Saudi Arabia vehemently opposed the inclusion of oil and gas, and therefore it was not included in the final decision.

Read more: Middle East Green Initiative Summit 2022 at COP 27 Egypt
What are the other significant developments in COP – 27?

Just Energy Transition Partnership (JET-P): In COP-27, a $20 billion deal was struck between Indonesia and G7 countries at the G20 meeting in Bali to phase down coal use in Indonesia in a just manner.

Note: A similar deal worth $8. 5 billion was signed between South Africa and G7 last year.

Question on wealthy developing countries claims: China is the largest current emitter and second-largest historical emitter of GHGs. But, China prefers to be called a developing country in climate negotiations. This approach was followed by newly wealthy countries like Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Singapore.

This was questioned by many countries. At COP27, developed countries got the support of many small island states and LDCs. So, from now on, countries like China will find it challenging to avoid greater responsibility for the climate crisis.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

After assuming the G20 Presidency, Indian Government to assume the Chair of Global Partnership on AI(GPAI)

Source: The post is based on the article After assuming the G20 Presidency, Indian Government to assume the Chair of Global Partnership on AI(GPAI)published in PIB on 19th November 2022

What is the News?

India will take over the Chair of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence(GPAI) for 2022-23.

What is Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence(GPAI)?

Launched in: 2020

Aim: To bridge the gap between theory and practice on AI by supporting cutting-edge research and applied activities on AI-related priorities.

Members: It consists of 25 member countries including India, the US, the UK, European Union, Australia, and Canada among others.

– India joined the GPAI in 2020 as a founding member

Secretariat: It will be hosted by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Paris.

What is the significance of India chairing GPAI?

Artificial Intelligence is expected to add 967 billion US dollars to the Indian economy by 2035. It is also expected to add 450 to 500 billion US dollars to India’s GDP by 2025 accounting for 10% of the country’s 5 trillion dollar GDP target. 

India occupying the chair of GPAI signifies how the world perceives India as a Trusted Technology partner and one that has always advocated for the ethical use of technology for transforming citizens’ lives. 


India climbs up six slots and now placed at 61st rank as per Network Readiness Index 2022

Source: The post is based on the articleIndia climbs up six slots and now placed at 61st rank as per Network Readiness Index 2022published in PIB on 19th November 2022.

What is the News?

The Network Readiness Index(NRI) 2022 has been released.

What is the Network Readiness Index?

Prepared by: Portulans Institute, an independent non-profit institute based in Washington DC.

Aim: To rank the network-based readiness landscape of 131 economies based on their performances in four different pillars: Technology, People, Governance, and Impact – using 58 different indicators. 

What are the key takeaways from NRI 2022?

India: ​​India has improved its position by six slots and is now placed at 61st rank.

– India leads in several indicators. It has secured a) 1st rank in “AI talent concentration”, b) 2nd rank in “Mobile broadband internet traffic within the country” and “International Internet bandwidth”, c) 3rd rank in “Annual investment in telecommunication services” and “Domestic market size”, d) 4th rank in “ICT Services exports” and e) 5th rank in “FTTH/Building Internet subscriptions” and “AI scientific publications”.

– India has a greater network readiness than would be expected given its income level.  

– India is ranked 3rd out of 36 in the group of lower-middle-income countries after Ukraine (50) and Indonesia (59). India has a score higher than the income group average in all pillars and sub-pillars.

Globally: The United States takes the 1st spot from the Netherlands (4th) as the most network-ready society. 

– The biggest mover is Singapore (2nd) which surged from the seventh position to second in this year’s index.


COP27 establishes ‘Loss and Damages’ fund for climate reparations

Source: The post is based on the article “COP27 establishes ‘Loss and Damages’ fund for climate reparations” published in The Hindu on 20th November 2022

What is the News?

The countries at the COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt have decided to establish a ‘Loss and Damages’ fund.

What is Loss and Damage?

Click Here to read

What is the origin of the idea of Loss and Damage Fund?

​​The idea of a “loss and damage” fund (LDF) was first floated in 1991.

Vanuatu, a low-lying island nation in the Pacific, suggested the creation of an insurance scheme, under the auspices of the UN, to help pay for the consequences of rising sea levels.

For thirty years such demands were left ignored by the UN. But recently Scotland promised £2m ($2.4m) to the cause.

What has been decided at COP27 related to Loss and Damage?
Loss and Damage
Source: The Hindu

At the COP 27, countries decided to establish the Loss and Damage Fund.

The fund will be aimed at helping developing countries that are “particularly vulnerable” to the effects of climate change.

The fund would initially draw on contributions from developed countries and other private and public sources such as international financial institutions.

What is the issue with this fund?

Crucial questions such as who will manage this fund, whether contributions are expected from large developing countries and what the fair share of contributors will be — have been left to a “transitional committee” that will make recommendations at the next COP to be held in the UAE.

Will India be a donor to the Loss and Damage fund?

Developed countries had been asking to expand the donor base of the loss and damage fund by including big economies like India and China as contributors to the fund.

However, India during the discussions made its stand clear that though the country has voluntarily been doing its bit to help vulnerable countries through a different mechanism, it will not be mandatorily contributing to the proposed fund.

On the question of whether India would be one of the beneficiaries of the fund as it’s primarily meant for most vulnerable countries, India argued that the country too has many vulnerable areas.


Great knot sighting untangles a migration mystery

Source: The post is based on the article “Great knot sighting untangles a migration mystery” published in The Hindu on 20th November 2022.

What is the News?

Great Knot from Russia has found its way to Kerala’s coast flying over 9,000 km for a winter sojourn.

Note: Many juvenile great knots have been tagged with MOSKVA rings in the Kamchatka peninsula in eastern Russia.

What is Great Knot?
Great knot
Source: Wikipedia

Great Knot (Calidris tenuirostris) is a small wader or shorebird. It is a medium-sized shorebird with a straight, slender bill of medium length and a heavily streaked head and neck.

It is an international migratory wading bird that travels vast distances between the Northern Hemisphere breeding grounds and Southern Hemisphere summer feeding grounds.

IUCN Status: Endangered

Distribution: Great Knots occur around coastal areas in many parts of Australia during the southern summer. They breed in eastern Siberia, and when on migration they occur throughout coastal regions of eastern and Southeast Asia.

Habitat: In Australia, Great Knots inhabit intertidal mudflats and sandflats in sheltered coasts, including bays harbours and estuaries. They forage on the moist mud, and they often roost on beaches or in nearby low vegetation, such as mangroves or dune vegetation.


No Money for Terror(NMFT) Conference: Impose cost on nations which back terror: PM targets Pakistan, China at NMFT meet

Source: The post is based on the article “Impose cost on nations which back terror: PM targets Pakistan, China at NMFT meet” published in Indian Express on 20th November 2022.

What is the News?

The third ‘No Money for Terror'(NMFT) Ministerial Conference on Counter-Terrorism Financing was held in New Delhi, India.

What is the No Money for Terror(NMFT) Ministerial Conference? 

The “No Money for Terror” conference was started in 2018, as an initiative of the French government, to specifically focus on cooperation between countries to choke terror funding.

Aim: To provide a unique platform for participating nations and organisations to deliberate on the effectiveness of the current international regime on Counterterrorism Financing and the steps required to address emerging challenges.

In 2019, the conference was held in Australia.

What is the aim of the third ‘’No Money for Terror'(NMFT) Ministerial Conference?

Click Here to read 

What are the key highlights from India’s address to the third NMFT Conference?

On Afghanistan: India has urged the international community to take cognisance of threats emerging from regime change in Afghanistan, as the last one had led to the 9/11 attacks.

On Terrorism: India stressed that the international community should never ignore terrorists’ safe havens or their resources. It is important to expose the double-speak of such elements who sponsor and support them.

– India has called for a need of international watchdog on terror financing and money laundering to continuously monitor the tendencies of some countries to sponsor terrorism.

On modes of Terrorism financing: Terrorists and terrorist groups understand the nuances of modern weapons and information technology such as the Dark Net and Cryptocurrency very well.

– This transformation of terrorism from dynamite to metaverse and AK-47 to virtual assets is definitely a matter of concern for the countries.

– Hence, each country can and must act against the part of the chain within reach.

Countries supporting Terrorism: Certain countries support terrorism as part of their foreign policy. They offer political, ideological and financial support to them.

– There must be a cost imposed upon countries that support terrorism. Organisations and individuals that try to create sympathy for terrorists must also be isolated.


What India’s draft digital privacy law says — and how it compares with data protection laws elsewhere

Source: The post is based on the article “What India’s draft digital privacy law says — and how it compares with data protection laws elsewhere” published in Indian Express on 20th November 2022.

What is the News?

The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) has recently released the draft Digital Personal Data Protection Bill 2022.

What is the Draft Digital Personal Data Protection Bill 2022?

Click Here to read

What are the data protection laws in other countries?

According to UNCTAD, an estimated 137 out of 194 countries have put in place legislation to secure the protection of data and privacy with Africa and Asia showing 61% (33 countries out of 54) and 57% adoption respectively. Some of these are: 

EU Model: The GDPR focuses on a comprehensive data protection law for the processing of personal data. 

It has been criticized for being excessively stringent and imposing many obligations on organizations processing data but it is the template for most of the legislation drafted around the world.

– Note: In the EU, the right to privacy is enshrined as a fundamental right that seeks to protect an individual’s dignity and his/her right over the data s/he generates. 

US Model: Privacy protection is largely defined as “liberty protection” focused on the protection of the individual’s personal space from the government. It is viewed as being somewhat narrow in focus because it enables the collection of personal information as long as the individual is informed of such collection and use. 

– The US template has been viewed as inadequate in key respects of regulation. This is because there is no comprehensive set of privacy rights or principles in the US like that of the EU’s GDPR. Instead, there is limited sector-specific regulation.

Chinese Model: China’s Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL) gives Chinese data principals new rights as it seeks to prevent the misuse of personal data. 

– China’s Data Security Law(DSL) issued in 2021 requires business data to be categorized by levels of importance and puts new restrictions on cross-border transfers.

– These regulations will have a significant impact on how companies collect, store, use and transfer data but are essentially focused on giving the government overreaching powers to collect data as well as to regulate private companies that collect and process information.


Union Minister launches India’s first Centre of Excellence for Green Port & Shipping

Source: The post is based on the articleUnion Minister launches India’s first Centre of Excellence for Green Port & Shippingpublished in PIB on 20th November 2022.

What is the News?

The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways  has announced India’s first National Centre of Excellence for Green Port & Shipping(NCoEGPS).

What is the National Centre of Excellence for Green Port & Shipping(NCoEGPS)?

NCoEGPS is an initiative by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways(MoPSW).

Purpose: To develop a regulatory framework and alternate technology adoption roadmap for Green Shipping to foster carbon neutrality and circular economy (CE) in the shipping sector in India. 

Knowledge Partner: The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) is the knowledge and implementation partner for this project.

The center will be working under the framework of the Sagarmala programme of the MoPSW.

Functions of the Centre: The centre will act as a technological arm of MoPSW for providing the needed support on Policy, Research and Cooperation on Green Shipping areas.

– The Center will be a host of several technological arms to support the port and shipping sector and will provide solutions to a variety of problems being faced in the industry through scientific research. 

– It will also carry out valuable education, applied research and technology transfer in maritime transportation at the local, regional, national and International levels.

What are the steps India is taking towards combating climate change?

Maritime Sector: The Indian Ports aims to reduce Carbon emissions per ton of cargo handled by 30% by 2030. 

The Maritime Vision Document 2030 is a 10 Year blueprint on India’s vision of a sustainable Maritime sector and vibrant blue economy. 

India has been selected as the first country under the IMO Green Voyage 2050 project to conduct a pilot project related to Green Shipping.

INDC’s: India is well on its way to achieve the Nationally Determined Contributions(NDC)  targets and has already achieved more than 24.5% share of Renewable Energy(RE) in total Installed Capacity. 

– Note: Globally, today India stands 4th in RE power capacity, 4th in Wind power, and 5th in Solar Power capacity.


States’ fiscal deficit jumped by 78% after lockdown: RBI

Source: The post is based on the article “States’ fiscal deficit jumped by 78% after lockdown: RBI” published in Livemint on 20th November 2022

What is the News?

Reserve Bank of India has released the seventh edition of its statistical publication titled “Handbook of Statistics on Indian States 2021-22”. 

What are the key highlights from the RBI data?
Handbook of Statistics on Indian States
Source: Livemint

State’s Fiscal Deficit: The Gross Fiscal Deficit of the Indian states rose nearly 78% after the lockdown in FY21.

– The Fiscal Deficit increased from Rs 5.2 trillion in FY20 to Rs 9.3 trillion in 2020-21 (FY21). In FY22, the deficit fell to Rs 8.1 trillion but stood much higher than the pre-pandemic level.

– Except for Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Sikkim and Odisha, all the states saw a higher fiscal deficit in FY21 as compared to FY20.

– In FY21, the highest fiscal deficit was recorded in Tamil Nadu followed by Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.

Note: A fiscal deficit is a difference between the state’s revenue and spending. It shows the shortfall in revenue.

States Tax revenue: Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra witnessed a marginal decline in their tax revenue receipts in FY21. The highest fall in own tax revenue was seen in Kerala.

Centre’s Fiscal Deficit: In the case of the Centre, the fiscal deficit jumped from 4.6% in FY20 to 9.3% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in FY21.

Note: In the Union Budget 2022-23, Rs 1 trillion was allocated as interest-free 50-year Capex loans for states to be spent on new or ongoing projects. This included projects like Gati Shakti, the PM Gram Sadak Yojana and digitization.


Global Shield Against Climate Risks: COP27: Climate vulnerable countries, G7 launch plan for quick loss and damage funding

Source: The post is based on the article “COP27: Climate vulnerable countries, G7 launch plan for quick loss and damage funding” published in Down To Earth on 17th November 2022.

What is the News?

The Global Shield Against Climate Risks has been launched at COP27 in Egypt.

What is Global Shield Against Climate Risks?

Launched by: It is a joint initiative of G7 and V20 

Note: Vulnerable Twenty(V20) is a dedicated cooperation initiative of countries systemically vulnerable to climate change. It was established in 2015 in Lima, Peru.

Purpose: The initiative will provide pre-arranged financial support designed to be quickly deployed during climate disasters.

– The initiative is envisioned as a social protection and insurance-based finance mechanism for loss and damage outside the UNFCCC process.

Funding: World Bank Group has announced a Global Shield Financing Facility to support the Global Shield Against Climate Risks.

Significance: The Global Shield is touted to expand financial protection instruments for governments, communities, businesses and households.

– Such instruments can lessen the impact of disasters by making vulnerable economies resilient, safeguarding sustainable development and protecting lives and livelihoods.


What is a narco test, which will now be given to Aaftab Poonawalla?

Source: The post is based on the article What is a narco test, which will now be given to Aaftab Poonawalla?published in Indian Express on 16th November 2022.

What is the News?

A court in Saket, New Delhi, has allowed Delhi Police to conduct a narco test on Aaftab Poonawalla who is accused of killing his live-in partner.

What is a Narco Test?

In a ‘narco’ or narcoanalysis test, a drug called sodium pentothal is injected into the body of the accused, which transports them to a hypnotic or sedated state, in which their imagination is neutralized. 

In this hypnotic state, the accused is understood as being incapable of lying and is expected to divulge information that is true.

Note: Sodium pentothal or sodium thiopental is a fast-acting, short-duration anaesthetic which is used in larger doses to sedate patients during surgery. The drug acts on the central nervous system as a depressant. Because the drug is believed to weaken the subject’s resolve to lie, it is sometimes referred to as a “truth serum”.

Is a Narco Test the same as a polygraph test?

No. A polygraph test is based on the assumption that physiological responses that are triggered when a person is lying are different from what they would be otherwise.

A polygraph test does not involve injecting drugs into the body; rather instruments like cardio-cuffs or sensitive electrodes are attached to the suspect and variables such as blood pressure, pulse rate, and blood flow are measured as questions are put to them.

A numerical value is assigned to each response to conclude whether the person telling the truth is deceiving or uncertain.

Are there no restrictions on putting the accused through these tests?

In ‘Selvi & Ors vs State of Karnataka & Anr’ (2010), a Supreme Court Bench ruled that no lie detector tests should be administered “except on the basis of the consent of the accused”.

Those who volunteer must have access to a lawyer, and have the physical, emotional, and legal implications of the test explained to them by police and the lawyer.

Can the results of these tests be considered as “confessions”?

No, because those in a drugged-induced state cannot exercise a choice in answering questions that are put to them.

However, any information or material subsequently discovered with the help of such a voluntarily-taken test can be admitted as evidence.


[UPSC Interview 2023] – Transcript #161: Suman Sharma Board, Zoology Optional, Haryana Home State,

Date of Interview: 27/02/2024 Board: Suman Sharma Maam Optional: Zoology Home State: Haryana Time: Forenoon, 2nd one to go Duration: 32 minutes DAF Keywords – Haryana, Zoology (Nothing asked from Hobby and other key words in DAF) To view all IAS Interview Transcripts 2023, visit this page Chairman What you were doing after your Post graduation?… Continue reading [UPSC Interview 2023] – Transcript #161: Suman Sharma Board, Zoology Optional, Haryana Home State,

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[Download] New 10 PM Weekly Compilation – March 2024 – 3rd week

Hello, everyone. We are posting a Compilation of the 10 pm current affairs quiz – March 2024 – 3rd week for practice of current affairs. All Questions have been framed based on the format of 2024 UPSC prelims exam. The compilation has been arranged based on the Prelims syllabus. Click on the following link to download… Continue reading [Download] New 10 PM Weekly Compilation – March 2024 – 3rd week

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[UPSC Interview 2023] – Transcript #160: Dinesh Dasa sir Board, Agriculture Optional, Rajasthan Home State

Date of Interview: 29 Feb Board: Dinesh Dasa sir Optional: Agriculture Home State: Rajasthan Keyword- Agriculture, Rajasthan Duration: 30-35 min To view all IAS Interview Transcripts 2023, visit this page Chairman I ll give you one statement reflect on it Gm crops are good but we degrading our genetic biodiversity Tell me why onion inflation is… Continue reading [UPSC Interview 2023] – Transcript #160: Dinesh Dasa sir Board, Agriculture Optional, Rajasthan Home State

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[UPSC Interview 2023] – Transcript #159: Lt, Gen Raj Shukla Board, PSIR Optional, Bihar Home State

Date of Interview: 19th Feb, Bihar Board: Lt, Gen Raj Shukla Optional: PSIR Home State: Bihar Background: IIT Roorkee Key words: IIT Roorkee , Bihar, patent office(DAF) Last to go forenoon session To view all IAS Interview Transcripts 2023, visit this page Chairman Discussion on Electoral bond. Issue with SC decision on bond Alternative to electoral… Continue reading [UPSC Interview 2023] – Transcript #159: Lt, Gen Raj Shukla Board, PSIR Optional, Bihar Home State

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[UPSC Interview 2023] – Transcript #158: Bidyut Behari Swain Board, Commerce & Accountancy Optional, Arunachal Pradesh Home State, JRF, writing Hobbies

Date of Interview: 28-02-24 (forenoon) Board: Bidyut Behari Swain Optional: Commerce & Accountancy Home State: Arunachal Pradesh Hobbies: Writing (others not asked) Daf- JRF, writing Time- around 35 mins To view all IAS Interview Transcripts 2023, visit this page Chairman Tell me about Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura (I am from NE) Tell me about JRF How to boost… Continue reading [UPSC Interview 2023] – Transcript #158: Bidyut Behari Swain Board, Commerce & Accountancy Optional, Arunachal Pradesh Home State, JRF, writing Hobbies

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Must Read Daily Current Affairs Articles 28th March 2024

About Must Read News Articles is an initiative by Team ForumIAS to provide links to the most important news articles of the day. It covers The Hindu newspaper. This saves the time and effort of students in identifying useful and important articles. With newspaper websites requiring a paid subscription beyond a certain number of fixed… Continue reading Must Read Daily Current Affairs Articles 28th March 2024

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Ace CSE 2024 Prelims with ForumIAS All-India Simulator Tests!

Dear CSE 2024 Aspirants,   Prelims 2024 has been postponed by almost a month. While this shift might have disrupted some of your plans, it also presents an invaluable opportunity to further refine your preparation and approach the examination with even greater confidence. Therefore, to capitalize on this opportunity, you need a thorough practice, to… Continue reading Ace CSE 2024 Prelims with ForumIAS All-India Simulator Tests!

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[UPSC Interview 2023] – Transcript #157: Sanjay Verma Board, Sociology Optional, Maharashtra Home State, Teaching Hobby

Date of Interview: 28-02-24 (forenoon) Board: Sanjay Verma Sir Optional: Sociology Home State: Maharashtra Hobby: Teaching DAF- Maharashtra,  Civil engg graduate, solid waste management, teaching, Sociology optional To view all IAS Interview Transcripts 2023, visit this page Chairman It was quite a long wait for you. How was your experience As you are from Maharashtra, have… Continue reading [UPSC Interview 2023] – Transcript #157: Sanjay Verma Board, Sociology Optional, Maharashtra Home State, Teaching Hobby

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Better utilization of fertilizer and food subsidies: Basic subsidies can be climate focused and aimed better

Source: The post better utilization of fertilizer and food subsidies has been created, based on the article “Basic subsidies can be climate focused and aimed better” published in “Live mint” on 27th March 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-economy- Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices. News: The article… Continue reading Better utilization of fertilizer and food subsidies: Basic subsidies can be climate focused and aimed better

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Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA): Indian cities cry out for UMTA

Source: The post Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) has been created, based on the article “Indian cities cry out for UMTA” published in “Business standard” on 27th March 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- economy- infrastructure News: The article discusses the need for Indian cities to create a Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA). This… Continue reading Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA): Indian cities cry out for UMTA

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