75th Constitution Day of India

Context- The 26th November, 2024, marked the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the
Constitution of India called Constitution Day, or ‘Samvidhan Divas,’.

About

• On November 26, 1949, the Indian Constituent Assembly formally adopted the
Constitution, which came into effect on January 26, 1950, establishing India as a
sovereign, democratic, republic.
• In 2015, the Government of India formally declared November 26 as Constitution
Day (Samvidhan Divas) to honor the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1949.

Evolution of the Indian Constitution

Constituent Assembly:

• After India gained independence in 1947, the Constituent Assembly was formed to
draft a new constitution, consisting of elected representatives from across India.
• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar played a key role as the chairman of the drafting committee.
• The assembly took almost 3 years to draft the Constitution, from December 9, 1946,
to November 26, 1949.

Adoption of the Constitution (1950):

• The Indian Constitution came into effect on January 26, 1950, marking the birth of
the Republic of India.
• It established India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic.

Amendments and Evolution:

• Since its adoption, the Constitution has been amended over 100 times, responding
to the changing needs of Indian society and governance.

Key amendments include:

• The First Amendment (1951), which allowed for restrictions on certain fundamental
rights.
• The 42nd Amendment (1976), which made significant changes during the Emergency
period, including the inclusion of the words “socialist” and “secular.”
• The 73rd and 74th Amendments (1992), which introduced constitutional recognition
for local self-government (Panchayats and Municipalities).

Judicial Interpretations and Constitutional Development:

 • The Judiciary has played a crucial role in interpreting the Constitution.
• Landmark cases like Kesavananda Bharati (1973), Maneka Gandhi (1978), and
Minerva Mills (1980) have significantly shaped the understanding of fundamental
rights, the relationship between the legislature, executive, and judiciary, and the
balance of powers.

Key Constitutional Values

• Sovereign: India is a sovereign nation, meaning it has full control over its internal
and external affairs, without any interference from external powers.
• Democracy: India is a democratic republic, where the government is elected by the
people through free and fair elections, and political power ultimately rests with the
people.
• Republic: The head of state (the President) is elected, not hereditary, ensuring that
political leadership is determined by merit and democratic processes.
• Secular: The Constitution ensures that all religions receive equal treatment under
the law, guaranteeing freedom of religion and protection from religious
discrimination.
• Social Justice: The Constitution aims to create a just society by providing for
affirmative actions, reservations, and protections for marginalized groups.
• Rule of Law: Every individual, including the government, is subject to the law. This
principle ensures that the legal system is fair, transparent, and consistent, providing
equality before the law.
• Federalism: The Indian Constitution establishes a federal system of government
with a division of powers between the central government and states, allowing both
levels of government to exercise authority within their respective jurisdictions.
• Fundamental Rights: The Constitution guarantees fundamental rights to protect the
dignity and liberty of individuals against any arbitrary action by the state or
authorities.
• Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP): These are guidelines for the government
to establish a welfare state, focusing on social and economic justice, and promoting
the general welfare of the people.
• Unity and Integrity of the Nation: The Constitution emphasizes the importance of
maintaining national unity and integrity, promoting a sense of national identity and
solidarity, despite the country’s vast diversity.

Facts about Indian Constitution

 – The first person to call for an Indian Constituent Assembly was M.N. Roy, an Indian
Revolutionary and radical activist, in 1934.
– The Indian Constitution is not written or printed. Both Hindi and English versions are
calligraphed by hand by Prem Behari Narain Raizada.
– India is renowned for having the longest written Constitution in the world.
– The chief architect of the Indian Constitution was Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, who
is regarded as the father of the Indian Constitution.
– Jawaharlal Nehru introduced the Objective Resolution, which later evolved into the
Preamble of the Constitution.

Challenging Features of the Constitution

• Federalism vs. Centralization: The tension between the strong central government
and the autonomy of states remains a challenge, especially in areas like the
distribution of resources and political power.
• Fundamental Rights vs. Directive Principles: Balancing individual freedoms
(Fundamental Rights) with the social welfare goals (Directive Principles) can be
difficult, as the latter are non-justiciable.
• Affirmative Action: The reservation system for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes,
and Other Backward Classes is a subject of debate over merit, equality, and the
perpetuation of caste-based divisions.
• Judicial Overreach: The judiciary’s role in interpreting the Constitution and striking
down laws can sometimes be seen as encroaching on the powers of the legislature
and executive.
• Secularism vs. Religious Identity: India’s secularism is challenged by demands for
religious-based laws, especially with regard to issues like the Uniform Civil Code
and personal laws of different communities.
• Fundamental Rights and National Security: Restrictions on rights in the name of
national security or public order (e.g., sedition laws) raise concerns about the
balance between civil liberties and state control.
• Constitutional Amendments: The “basic structure” doctrine limits amendments to
the Constitution, leading to debates about what constitutes fundamental features
that should not be altered.

Why Celebrate Constitution Day?

• Honoring the Constitution’s Legacy: Celebrating Constitution Day honors the

sacrifices and efforts of the framers of the Constitution.
• Promoting Constitutional Values: It reinforces the importance of constitutional
values like democracy, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
 • Encouraging Civic Engagement: It encourages citizens to understand and appreciate
their rights and responsibilities.
• Inspiring Future Generations: It inspires future generations to uphold the values
enshrined in the Constitution.

Places of Worship Act and The Legal Issues in the Sambhal

Mosque Case
Context- Recently, a Petition was filed, alleging the Jama Masjid in Sambhal was built on
an ancient Hari Har Mandir site.

Mosque’s History

– Built by: Mughal Emperor Babur’s general, Mir Hindu Beg, around 1528.
– Architecture: Stone masonry with plaster, similar to the mosque in Budaun.
– Historical Claims: Hindu tradition holds that it incorporates parts of an ancient
Vishnu temple.

About the recent issue

• A district court in Sambhal ordered a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, following a
petition claiming that it was built on the site of a Hindu temple by Mughal emperor
Babur in 1526.
• The petitioners (includeincludeing a local mahant and advocate Hari Shankar Jain)
sought to change the religious character of the site.
• The survey, especially its second phase on November 24, triggered protests in
Sambhal, leading to violence and police firing.

Legal Context

• The mosque is a protected monument under the Ancient Monuments Preservation

Act, 1904, and is listed by the Archaeological Survey of India as a Monument of
National Importance.
• The court’s order was passed ex-parte, meaning the petition was accepted without
hearing both parties, raising concerns of fairness.

Role of Places of Worship Act, 1991

 • Background: The Places of Worship Act, 1991, was enacted following claims by
Hindu groups, regarding the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi and the Shahi Idgah
mosque in Mathura, in addition to the Babri Masjid dispute.
• The act aimed to preserve the status quo of places of worship as they were on
August 15, 1947, and prevent further disputes over these sites.
• Objective of the Act: The Act’s goal was to freeze the religious character of any place
of worship as it existed on August 15, 1947.
• It sought to prevent new claims by any group regarding the historical status of
places of worship and to ensure communal harmony.
• Main Features of the Act: The religious character of a place of worship must remain
the same as it was on August 15, 1947.
• It bars any conversion of a place of worship to a different denomination or religion.
• All pending legal proceedings regarding the conversion of the status of places of
worship as of August 15, 1947, were to be terminated.
• Legal proceedings can only continue if they concern changes to the status after the
cut-off date (August 15, 1947).
• Exceptions: The Act does not apply to ancient monuments covered by the Ancient
Monuments and Archaeological Sites Act, 1958, or any disputes that were settled
before the Act’s commencement.
• The Act excludes the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi dispute in Ayodhya.
• Penal Provisions: Anyone attempting to change the religious character of a place of
worship faces imprisonment (up to 3 years) and a fine.
• Those who abet or participate in such actions are also liable for punishment.

Challenges to the Act

• The law is being challenged on the grounds that it bars judicial review, which is a
basic constitutional principle.
• The law imposes an arbitrary, irrational retrospective cutoff date (August 15, 1947),
which critics argue is unjust.
• It is claimed that the law abridges the right to religion of Hindus, Jains, Buddhists,
and Sikhs by preventing them from asserting claims to disputed religious sites.

Supreme Court’s View on the Act

• In 2022, the Supreme Court noted that an inquiry into the religious character of a
place as it existed on August 15, 1947, may be allowed, but changing the religious
nature is prohibited.
 • This interpretation has opened the door for district courts to hear such suits, despite
the 1991 law’s restrictions on conversion of places of worship.

Conclusion and Way Forward

• The recent cases underscores the challenges of balancing constitutional principles

like secularism, judicial review, and religious rights, all while navigating the delicate
issue of preserving the religious character of historical monuments.
• Ultimately, it remains to be seen whether the legal system will be able to uphold the
intent of the Places of Worship Act or whether the courts will find room for
exceptions, as some petitioners have suggested, to allow claims over specific
disputed religious sites.
• The matter continues to evolve, and the Court’s intervention in upcoming hearings
will likely shape the future course of these disputes.

From a Republic to a Republic of unequals

Context: The article discusses how India’s Constitution aims for an egalitarian society
through state intervention, but neoliberal reforms have widened economic and social
inequalities. It highlights rising wealth concentration, overlapping with caste-based
inequality, threatening the Constitution’s vision of equality.

How does the Constitution promote an egalitarian society?

• Egalitarian Vision: The Constitution seeks to minimize inequalities in income,

status, and opportunities, aiming for an egalitarian society. Article 38(2) and Article
39© emphasize reducing wealth concentration and ensuring equality.
• Affirmative Action: Policies like reservations and treating unequals unequally were
introduced to bridge historical and social gaps.
• Fundamental Rights and DPSP: Part III and Part IV ensure equality of liberties,
opportunities, and addressing economic disparities, inspired by Rawls’ egalitarian
liberalism.
• Judicial Interpretation: In D.S. Nakara vs Union of India (1982), the Supreme Court
emphasized socialism as ensuring social security and a decent life for all. In
Samatha vs State of Andhra Pradesh (1997), it affirmed that reducing income
inequality and creating equal opportunities align with constitutional values.

What impact have neoliberal reforms had on inequality?

 • Neoliberal reforms in the 1990s shifted India’s focus from welfare policies to
market-driven growth, widening inequalities.
• The top 1% of earners increased their income share from 6% in the 1980s to 22.6%
by 2022-23 (Chancel and Piketty).
• Wealth concentration worsened; the top 1% owned 40.1% of total wealth in 2022-
23, surpassing pre-Independence levels.
• Economic and social inequalities overlap, with upper castes owning 90% of
billionaire wealth by 2022-23, while Scheduled Tribes had none and OBC
representation fell from 20% in 2014 to 10%.
• Oxfam reported a rise in billionaires, from 9 in 2000 to 119 in 2023, highlighting
extreme inequality.
• This shift violates constitutional ideals of reducing inequality, as wealth
concentration benefits a privileged few while marginalizing the majority.

What is the risk to constitutional democracy?

• Neoliberalism undermines the Constitution’s vision by increasing inequalities.

• Social and economic inequalities risk political democracy, as warned by Dr. B.R.
Ambedkar.
• To honor the Constitution, India must critically evaluate its policies and refocus on
equality.

Trump’s tariff plans could impact global trade — including India

Context: The article discusses Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on imports from Mexico,
Canada, and China, aiming to boost U.S. manufacturing and address immigration issues. It
highlights potential inflation, bipartisan protectionism, and India’s need to adapt by
attracting investments and reforming its economy.

What is Donald Trump’s Tariff Proposal?

• Donald Trump proposed a 60% tariff on Chinese imports and 10-20% on other
countries during his campaign.
• After his election, he announced a plan to impose a 25% tariff on all products from
Mexico and Canada, and an additional 10% on China.
• These tariffs aim to encourage U.S. manufacturing, rebalance trade, and improve
government finances.

What Impact Could These Tariffs Have?

 • The tariffs could disrupt supply chains, lead to inflation, increase costs for
consumers and businesses, and affect interest rates.
• Economists at the Peterson Institute of International Economics suggest that these
tariffs could cost U.S. households more than $2,600 annually.
• How Have Tariffs Been Received Politically?
• Trump’s tariff policies have received support from both Republicans and
Democrats. His administration imposed tariffs on various products in 2018 and
2019.
• The Biden administration has largely kept these tariffs and introduced additional
hikes, indicating a shift towards protectionism in U.S. trade policy.
• For detailed information on Decline of multilateralism, especially with Donald
Trump’s re-election read this article here

What is the Situation with India?

• India was not initially targeted by Trump’s tariffs, despite him previously labeling
India as a “tariff king” and a “trade abuser.”
• India needs to use its diplomatic channels to negotiate with the U.S. and should
work towards making its economy more open and less protectionist to attract more
investments.
• This could help India capitalize on the opportunities arising from Trump’s trade
policies.

High Seas Treaty

Context: The article discusses the High Seas Treaty, signed by India, aiming to protect
marine biodiversity and regulate resources beyond national jurisdictions. It highlights
challenges like weak enforcement, geopolitical tensions, and gaps in aligning high-seas
governance with coastal regulations.

What is the High Seas Treaty?

• The High Seas Treaty, officially known as the Biodiversity Beyond National
Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, aims to protect marine ecosystems and promote
sustainable use of resources in areas beyond national jurisdictions.
• It is the third implementing agreement under UNCLOS, after treaties on deep-sea
mining and fisheries management.
 • Key goals include: Conserving marine biodiversity, sharing benefits from marine
genetic resources, Requiring environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for harmful
activities.

What are the challenges to the High Seas treaty?

• Low Ratification Levels: Out of 104 signatories, only 14 have ratified the treaty, far
from the required 60 for enforcement.
• Maritime Disputes: Territorial conflicts, like in the South China Sea, delay
consensus on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Coastal states worry MPAs may harm
local economies and livelihoods.
• Marine Genetic Resources: Wealthier nations might underreport profits from marine
genetic resources, undermining the global sharing fund.
• Overlapping Regulations: The treaty may conflict with the Convention on Biological
Diversity, creating enforcement gaps and disadvantaging smaller nations.
• Limited Technology Transfer: Low-income nations lack resources for maritime
research. The treaty offers no enforcement mechanisms for equitable partnerships.
• Overlooked Ecosystem Interconnections: Pollution and overfishing in Exclusive
Economic Zones (EEZs) affect international waters, as seen in the 2021 X-Press
Pearl disaster and overfishing in West Africa.
• Weak Enforcement Framework: EIAs are required for planned activities but the
treaty excludes harmful practices like oil and gas exploration. Coastal states often
avoid international review of EIAs. Weak institutions and conflicting legal standards
make enforcement difficult, especially in developing regions.

How can the treaty succeed?

• Align Coastal and High-Seas Governance: Integrate regulations to address

ecosystem interconnections, such as overfishing in West Africa depleting high-seas
stocks.
• Support Global South: Provide technical and financial aid for equitable participation
in ocean research.
• Commitment from Wealthier Nations: They must provide technical and financial
aid.

Prelims Facts-
International Pathogen Surveillance Network
• The International Pathogen Surveillance Network recently announced the first round
of grants towards understanding disease threats.
• It is a public health network to prevent and detect infectious disease threats before
they become epidemics or pandemics.
• The IPSN, with a Secretariat hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO) Hub for
Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence, brings together experts worldwide at the
cutting-edge of genomics and data analytics, from governments, philanthropic
foundations, multilateral organizations, civil society, academia and the private
sector.
• All share a common goal: to detect and respond to disease threats before they
become epidemics and pandemics, and to optimize routine disease surveillance.
• IPSN will rely on insights generated from pathogen genomics, which helps analyze
the genetic material of viruses, bacteria, and other disease-causing
microorganisms to determine how they spread and how infectious or deadly they
may be.
• Using these data, researchers can identify and track diseases to improve outbreak
prevention, response, and treatments.
• Members will work together in dedicated groups focusing on specific challenges,
supported by funding through the IPSN to scale up ideas and projects in pathogen
genomics.
• By strengthening the pathogen genomic surveillance ecosystem, the IPSN enables
faster detection of new pathogens and enhanced tracking of the spread and
evolution of diseases.

75th Constitution Day of India

• The President will begin the celebrations marking 75 years of the adoption of India’s
Constitution, with a joint address to both Houses of the Parliament.
• It is also known as Samvidhan Divas and is celebrated every year on November 26 to
commemorate the day the Constitution of India was adopted in 1949.
• Drafted under Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s leadership, the Constitution aimed to ensure
justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity for all Indian citizens.
• It finally came into effect on January 26, 1950, when India became a republic.
 • In 2015, under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the government
designated November 26 as Constitution Day to promote constitutional values and
coincide with Ambedkar’s 125th birth anniversary.
• Before this, the day was celebrated as Law Day.

Gelephu Mindfulness City

• Pitching the upcoming Gelephu Mindfulness City as the biggest “co-operative
project” in Bhutan, the Bhutanese Prime Minister recently said that he was grateful
for India’s support on the 2,500 sq.km. “Zero Carbon” city being developed.
• It Is an innovative urban development project that integrates economic growth with
mindfulness, holistic living and sustainability.
• The GMC project has been envisioned by the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel
Wangchuck.
• It is located in the south-central part of Bhutan and covers over 2500 square
kilometers (bigger than Singapore).
• It Is a first-of-its-kind Special Administrative Region (SAR) in Bhutan.
• The city will be built around a series of inhabitable bridges.
• It is expected to be a low-rise city which will have its own university and health care
facilities for both western and traditional medicine.
• The planned city will have eleven “ribbonlike neighborhoods” that incorporate the
area’s 35 rivers and streams.
• Neighborhoods will be designed like mandalas, with repeated patterns organized
around a central public space.
• The city will have its own international airport.
• It will also have several markets and spiritual centres.
• To protect against flooding, paddy fields will be built along the rivers, “forming urban
terraces that cascade down from the hills to the valley,”.
• It will have its own government and have the independence to have its own
lawmaking, as well as an independent judiciary.
• It will have two protected areas – a national park and a wildlife sanctuary.

Raja Raja Chola I

• The birth anniversary of the legendary Chola emperor Raja Raja Chola I is celebrated
every year during the Sadhaya Vizha in Thanjavur of Tamil Nadu.
 • Raja Raja Chola I was born as Arulmozhi Varman in 947 CE, he rose to become one
of history’s most illustrious and visionary rulers.
• He was revered as Raja Raja the Great, he inherited the legacy of his ancestors and
crafted an empire that flourished both militarily and culturally.
• His reign, from 985 to 1014 CE, was marked by military prowess and profound
administrative vision.
• During his reign, the Cholas expanded beyond South India with their domains
stretching from Sri Lanka in the south to Kalinga in the north.
• He also launched several naval campaigns that resulted in the capture of the
Malabar Coast as well as the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

One Nation One Subscription Scheme

• The Union cabinet has approved the One Nation One Subscription scheme.
• It is a new Central Sector Scheme for providing country-wide access to scholarly
research articles and journal publication.
• The scheme will be administered through a simple, user friendly and fully digital
process.
• This will be a “One Nation One Subscription” facility for the government higher
education institutions and R&D laboratories of the Central G
• This will supplement the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)
initiative to promote research and development and foster a culture of research and
innovation throughout government universities, colleges, research institutions, and
R&D laboratories.
• The benefits of One Nation One Subscription scheme will be provided to all Higher
Educational Institutions under the management of the Central or State Government
and Research & Development Institutions of the Central Government, through a
national subscription coordinated by a central agency, namely the Information and
Library Network (INFLIBNET), an autonomous inter-university centre of the
University Grants Commission (UGC).
• The Department of Higher Education will have a unified portal “One Nation One
Subscription” through which the institutions will be able to access the journals.
• The ANRF will periodically review the usage of One Nation One Subscription and
publications of Indian authors of these institutions.
• A total of about Rs.6,000 crore has been allocated for One Nation One Subscription
for 3 calendar years, 2025, 2026 and 2027 as a new Central Sector Scheme.
PAN 2.0 Project
• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by the Prime Minister
has given its approval for the 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
for enhanced digital experience of the taxpayers.
• This will be an upgrade of the current PAN/TAN 1.0 eco-system consolidating the
core and non-core PAN/TAN activities as well as PAN validation service.
• It is a project of the Income Tax Department.
• The PAN 2.0 Project enables technology driven transformation of Taxpayer
registration services and has significant benefits including:
• Ease of access and speedy service delivery with improved quality;
• Single Source of Truth and data consistency
• Eco-friendly processes and cost optimization; and
• Security and optimization of infrastructure for greater agility.
• The PAN 2.0 Project resonates with the vision of the Government enshrined in Digital
India by enabling the use of PAN as Common Identifier for all digital systems of
specified government agencies.

National Mission on Natural Farming

• The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister of India approved the launching of
the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF).
• It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’
Welfare.
• It has been launched to promote natural farming in mission mode across the
country as a standalone scheme.
• It aims at promoting natural farming practices for providing safe & nutritious food for
all.
• It is designed to support farmers to reduce input cost of cultivation and dependency
to externally purchased inputs.
• In the next two years, NMNF will be implemented in 15,000 clusters in Gram
Panchayats, which are willing, & reach 1 crore farmers and initiate Natural Farming
(NF) in 7.5 lakh Ha area.
 • Preference will be given to areas having prevalence of practising natural farming
farmers, SRLM / PACS / FPOs, etc.
• Further, need-based 10,000 Bio-input Resource Centres (BRCs) will be set-up to
provide easy availability and accessibility to ready-to-use natural farming inputs for
farmers.
• Under NMNF, around 2000 NF Model Demonstration Farms shall be established at
Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Agricultural Universities (AUs) and farmers’ fields, and
shall be supported by experienced and trained Farmer Master Trainers.
• The willing farmers will be trained in Model Demonstration Farms on the natural
farming package of practices, preparation of natural farming inputs, etc. near their
villages in KVKs, Agricultural Universities and practising natural farming farmers’
fields.
• 75 lakh trained willing farmers will prepare inputs like Jeevamrit, Beejamrit, etc. by
using their livestock or procure from BRCs. 30,000 Krishi Sakhis/ CRPs will be
deployed for awareness generation, mobilisation and handholding of willing farmers
in the clusters.
• Farmers will be provided with an easy simple certification system and dedicated
common branding to provide access to market their natural farming produce. Real
time geo-tagged & referenced monitoring of NMNF implementation shall be done
through an online portal.
• Convergence with existing schemes and support structures of Government of India/
State Governments/ National & International Organisations shall be explored for
enhancing local livestock population, development of NF Model Demonstration
Farms at Central Cattle Breeding Farms/ Regional Fodder Stations, provide market
linkages at district/ block/ GP levels through convergence for local farmers’ markets,
APMC (Agricultural Produce Market Committee) Mandis, Haats, Depots, etc.
• Additionally, students will be engaged in NMNF through the RAWE program and
dedicated Undergraduate, Postgraduate & Diploma courses on NF.
• The scheme has a total outlay of Rs.2481 crore (Government of India share –
Rs.1584 crore; State share – Rs.897 crore) till the 15th Finance Commission (2025-
26).

Operation Tamarisk The Cold War’s Secret Garbage War

• Operation Tamarisk was a covert intelligence operation that took place during the
Cold War, a period marked by fierce rivalry between the United States and the Soviet
Union. In a bid to gain any advantage, intelligence agents resorted to
 unconventional means to gather information. One of the most unusual and gritty
operations was the collection and analysis of discarded waste left behind by Soviet
troops in East Germany.

16th Anniversary of 26/11 Attacks

• On 26th November 2008, Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistan-based terror group, carried out
attacks at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Nariman House, Oberoi Trident, and
Chhatrapati Shivaji Railway Station in Mumbai.The attacks revealed significant
vulnerabilities in India’s security infrastructure, prompting urgent reforms in
counter-terrorism measures.

Atal Innovation Mission 2.0

• The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Atal Innovation Mission
(AIM) under NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) with an
enhanced budget of Rs. 2,750 crore, marking the launch of AIM 2.0 to strengthen
India’s innovation ecosystem until 2028.AIM 2.0: Building on AIM success, such as
Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) and Atal Incubation Centers (AICs), AIM 2.0 seeks to scale
and pilot new initiatives.

SC Quashes Telangana Land Allotment to Privileged Groups

• The Supreme Court(SC) of India has quashed the Telangana government’s land
allotments to cooperative societies comprising Members of Parliament (MPs),
Member of the Legislative Assembly(MLA), civil servants, and journalists, deeming it
a violation of equality under Article 14 of the Constitution.The SC criticized the land
allotment to privileged groups at discounted rates, favoring the already privileged
over marginalized communities.

Ophiophagus Kaalinga
• Karnataka’s king cobra species, known locally as ‘Kaalinga Sarpa,’ is officially
named Ophiophagus Kaalinga in the scientific community.King cobras were first
 classified in 1836 as Ophiophagus hannah by Danish naturalist Theodore Edward
Cantor.
• King cobras underwent no genetic studies for 186 years until recently.

CCI Nod to Invest in Flipkart

• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has granted approval to Alphabet Inc.’s
subsidiary, Shoreline International Holdings LLC, to acquire a stake in Walmart-
owned Flipkart Pvt Ltd. This follows Flipkart’s May 2024 funding round, where
Alphabet’s Google invested $350 million out of a total $1 billion raised. Walmart,
which holds an 85% stake in Flipkart, contributed $600 million. Separately, CCI has
also approved MUFG Bank Ltd.’s acquisition of an additional stake in Delhi-based
digital lender DMI Finance, raising MUFG’s shareholding to 20%.

Coast Guard to Hold ‘SAREX 24’ in Kochi

• The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is set to conduct the 11 th edition of the National
Maritime Search and Rescue Exercises & Workshop (SAREX-24) in Kochi from
November 27 to 30. The event, organized under the aegis of the National Maritime
Search and Rescue (NMSAR) Board, aims to enhance India’s capabilities in
maritime search and rescue (SAR) operations through a collaborative approach
involving various national and international stakeholders.

India’s First Green Hydrogen Fuelling Station in Leh

• Amara Raja Infra, part of the $2 billion Amara Raja Group, has completed the setup
of India’s first green hydrogen fuelling station in Leh, Ladakh, for NTPC Ltd. This
innovative project will enable emission-free transport in the region, marking a
significant milestone in India’s efforts to embrace green mobility.The station,
designed to produce 80 kg of green hydrogen daily, supports NTPC’s green mobility
initiatives under the National Hydrogen Energy Mission. Inaugurated by Union Power
Minister Manohar Lal, it will also aid in the operation of five hydrogen fuel cell buses
in the region.

NADA Suspends Bajrang Punia for Four Years Over Doping Violation
• National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has imposed a four-year suspension on
Olympic bronze medallist Bajrang Punia for violating the anti-doping code. The
suspension follows his refusal to provide a urine sample for a dope test during
selection trials for the national wrestling team on March 10, 2024. This decision,
which extends beyond NADA’s initial provisional suspension in April 2024, has
barred him from competitive wrestling and coaching opportunities abroad.