Current Context :  Recently, the Central government of India suspended the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) licence of the Centre for Policy Research (CPR)

About FCRA:

1. Purpose: The FCRA was created to regulate foreign donations to Indian entities, ensuring they don’t adversely influence national interests.
2. Initially introduced in 1976 and updated significantly in 2010.
3. Managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
4. Foreign Contribution :
   1. Refers to donations, transfers, or gifts from foreign sources, including currency and securities.
   2. Includes funds from individuals or entities that received donations from foreign sources.

Current Context :  Recently, Global Carbon Budget report is published by Global Carbon Project during U.N.’s COP 29 climate summit.

Relevant data about Report :

• Emissions and Temperature Targets: Current CO2 emission levels indicate a 50% likelihood that global temperatures may surpass the 1.5°C limit set by the Paris Agreement within six years. This year could see this threshold crossed for the first time.
• CO2 Emissions from Fossil Fuels: Global emissions from fossil fuel use are expected to hit a record 37.4 billion tonnes in 2024, a 0.8% rise from 2023.
• Top Contributors: In 2023, the main sources of global CO2 emissions were:
• China: 31%
• USA: 13%
• India: 8%
• European Union: 7%

Global Impact: These four regions contributed 59% of emissions, while the remaining world accounted for 41%.

About Global Carbon Project (GCP)

• Established: 2001.
• Objective: Tracks global carbon emissions and CO2 absorption to gauge progress toward meeting climate targets set by the Paris Agreement.
• Publications: Releases annual global budgets for key greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.

Observed annually on November 19^th.

• Aim : to inspire action towards tackling the global sanitation crisis and advancing Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which commits to ensuring sanitation for all by 2030.
• Theme : Toilets – A Place for Peace.

Additional Information :

Global Sanitation Statistics:

• Approximately 5 billion people worldwide still lack access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene​
• About 2 billion people do not have access to basic hygiene services, and 653 million people have no sanitation facilities​
• 419 million individuals continue practicing open defecation, particularly in rural regions.

Current Context : Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has launched the ‘Come and Install Solar Power Projects’ initiative.

• Aim : to promote solar energy and encourage youth and entrepreneurs to establish solar projects in the private sector.
• Project Allocation: The government has allocated 300 MW of ground-mounted solar power projects to the private sector, with 62 MW already operational.
• Government Sector Efforts: In addition to private initiatives, 32 MW of solar power projects have been developed by the government, with another 15 MW in progress.

Various Government Schemes related to Solar Projects in Himachal :

Rajiv Gandhi Swarozgar Start-Up Yojna (Phase II):

• Launched to empower youth by promoting solar power projects.
• Aims to support entrepreneurs in setting up solar ventures.
• Beneficiaries are required to pay only 10% of the project cost as a security deposit.
• The government facilitates a 70% bank loan and provides 30% equity​

Rooftop Solar Plant Subsidy:

• The central government targets a 10 MW capacity from rooftop solar by 2024 in Himachal Pradesh.
• Provides subsidies: 40% for 1-3 kW solar panels and 20% for 3-10 kW panels.
• Encourages residents to adopt solar energy by reducing initial costs​

SJVN Solar Projects:

• Himachal Pradesh is expanding its renewable energy portfolio through partnerships with SJVN.
• Initiatives include a planned 400 MW solar park in Upper Kinnaur and an 800 MW project in
• The state is also working on a 15 MW floating solar power project at Nangal Pond in Bilaspur.

Current Context : Ministry of Defence launched the AI-Powered e -Tarang System to Optimize Communication and Electronic Warfare.

About AI-enabled e-Tarang System

• Aim : to modernize and optimize spectrum management for defence purposes, ensuring efficient and automated planning to support operations in both peacetime and wartime.
• Development: Created by the Integrated Defence Staff in partnership with Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N).

Features:

• AI Integration: Utilizes artificial intelligence to streamline and enhance the process of spectrum management.
• Interference-Free Operation: Ensures minimal disruption in communication channels, crucial for military operations.
• Support for Advanced Technologies: Facilitates the development of modern technologies that utilize higher frequency bands, preparing the armed forces for advanced communication needs.
• Operational Efficiency: Enhances both planning and execution phases of defence operations through automation.

Current Context : The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has designated a buffer zone ranging from 1 km to 2.035 km around the Sukhna sanctuary on the Haryana side.

Aim : to prevent, control and abating environment pollution.

About Sukhna Lake:

• An artificial lake in Chandigarh, created in 1958 by damming Sukhna Choe, a seasonal stream.
• Located at the base of the Shivalik hills of the Himalayas.
• Covers about 3 sq. km, with dimensions of 1.52 km length and 1.49 km width.
• Recognized as a National Wetland.
• The catchment area is prone to erosion due to steep, rugged terrain and alluvial sandy soil.

Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Adjacent to the lake, spanning approximately 26 sq. km.
• Hosts diverse wildlife, including migratory birds like Siberian ducks and storks in winter.
• Eco-Sensitive Zones are created as “shock absorbers” for the protected areas, to minimize the negative impact on the “fragile ecosystems” by certain human activities taking place nearby.
• These areas are meant to act as a transition zone from areas requiring higher protection to those requiring lesser protection.

Current Context : Union Ministry of Home Affairs has approved establishment of the first all-women battalion of CISF, aimed at enhancing women’s role in the central forces.

About CISF :

• Establishment: Formed under the CISF Act of 1968and operational since March 10, 1969. The act was amended in 1983, giving it the status of an armed force.
• Function: The CISF is under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs
• Headquartered in New Delhi.
• Strength: Comprises over 140,000 personnel.
• Unique Role: The only paramilitary force in India with a specialized fire wing for fire protection and prevention in sensitive industries.
• The protected persons classified as Z Plus, Z, X, Y.

Observed annually on the third Sunday of November.

• This year, it falls on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
• Aim : to raise awareness about road safety, promote responsible driving behavior, and advocate for policies that can help prevent road accidents and save lives.
• Theme : “That Day”
• This day is dedicated to remembering the millions of people who have lost their lives or been injured in road traffic crashes worldwide.

Observed annually on November 17^th in India.

• Aim : to raise awareness about epilepsy, its challenges, and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
• Theme : Share Your Purple Power.

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder marked by recurrent seizures due to abnormal brain electrical activity, epilepsy can significantly affect quality of life.

Current Context : Recently, Deputy Commissioner of Hamirpur called teachers and principals from both government and private schools across the district to approach the National Survey 2024, known as “PARAKH” (Performance Assessment, Review and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development), with full dedication.

About PARAKH :

A national survey aimed at assessing and improving student learning and educational standards.

Initiative by: National Assessment Centre under NCERT.

Goals:

• Set consistent educational norms and guidelines.
• Focus on student assessments.
• Strengthen teacher training and promote competency-based learning.
• Address gaps in current educational practices.

2023 Achievement:

• The State Educational Achievement Survey (SEAS) 2023, conducted under PARAKH, involved about 80 lakh students across 3 lakh schools in 5,917 blocks

This assessment aimed to provide insights into educational achievements at the foundational, preparatory, and middle school stages, contributing data for improved educational policies.