Addapedia Odisha | Daily Current Affairs | 26 November 2024 | Download PDF

• The Supreme Court has ruled that “secular” and “socialist” are integral parts of the Constitution and must remain in the Preamble.
• The order was based on a batch of petitions challenging the inclusion of the words ‘socialist, secular’ into the Preamble of the Constitution in 1976 with retrospective application.

Key Points:

• • The concepts of socialism and secularism are explicitly mentioned in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. Both principles emphasize the democratic and inclusive framework of the Constitution. These terms were added through the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976.
  • Socialism signifies the commitment to social and economic justice, aiming to reduce inequality in wealth, status, and opportunities.
  • Secularism ensures that the state treats all religions equally without favoring or discriminating against any faith.
• Socialism and secularism in Indian Constitution:

• • Fundamental rights: The Indian Constitution reflects its commitment to socialism and secularism through various provisions. Socialism is upheld via Fundamental Rights like Article 14 (equality before law), Article 21 (right to life and socio-economic rights), and Article 23 (prohibition of forced labor).
  • Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP): It is also mentioned as Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) such as Article 38(1) (justice-based social order), Article 39 (equitable wealth distribution), Article 41 (right to work and education), and Article 46 (upliftment of weaker sections). Public sector undertakings and welfare schemes under Articles 39(b) and 39(c) further embody socialism.
  • Secularism is supported by Fundamental Rights like Article 15 (no religious discrimination), Article 25 (freedom of religion), Article 27 (no taxes for religious promotion), and Article 28 (restrictions on religious instruction in state institutions).
  • Article 44 in the DPSP advocates a Uniform Civil Code, and Article 51A(e) emphasizes harmony beyond religious divides.

• Opposition members of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill urged Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to ask BJP MP Jagdambika Pal not to rush the report.

Key Points:

• • The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 8, 2024, proposes significant changes to the governance and management of Waqf properties in India. 
  • This legislation seeks to amend the Waqf Act of 1995, aiming to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the administration of Waqf properties while addressing long-standing issues within the system.
  • A Waqf is a property donated by Muslims for a specific religious, charitable, or private purpose.
• Key Changes:

• • The Waqf Amendment (Bill) 2024 proposes changing the name of the parent Act from the Waqf Act of 1995 to the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act of 1995.
  • Government Property: Government properties identified as waqf will revert to state ownership. The District Collector will determine ownership in disputed cases.
  • Waqf Property Determination: The Waqf Board’s power to determine waqf properties is removed.
  • Waqf Survey: Collectors will conduct waqf surveys under state revenue laws.
  • Tribunal Composition: Muslim law experts are removed. Tribunals will include a District Court judge and a state officer of joint secretary rank.

• The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), managed by NITI Aayog, with an increased allocation of ₹2,750 crore.

Key Points:

• It is the Government of India’s flagship initiative to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country and was set up in 2016.
• Objective: To create and promote an ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship across the country at school, university, research institutions, MSME and industry levels.
• All the initiatives of AIM are currently monitored and managed systematically using real-time MIS systems and dynamic dashboards.
• Implementing Agency: NITI Aayog
• AIM has multiple programs to encourage and support innovation in the country.
• Some of the components of AIM: Atal Tinkering Labs, Atal Incubation Centres, Atal New India Challenge, Mentor of Change Program, Atal Community Innovation Center and Atal Research & Innovation for Small Enterprises (ARISE)

• The Finance Ministry says inflation outlook remains benign.

Key Points:

• • It refers to a steady rise in the prices of various goods and services in the economy.
• Rate of Inflation = (Price in this Period – Price in the Previous Period) X 100/Price in the Previous Period

• To effectively monitor and control the level of inflation in an economy, policymakers use various kinds of instruments.
• In India, inflation is mainly measured through 2 price indices – the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) and the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
• Another measure of inflation frequently used across the world is – GDP Deflator.

• The finance deadlock threatens to push COP29 to the brink.

Key Points:

• • The Conference of Parties (COP) serves as the main governing body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
  • Agreement on Global Carbon Markets at COP29:
• Carbon market overview:

• • • The global carbon market, outlined under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, allows countries to trade carbon credits – certified reductions in carbon emissions.
    • This market aims to provide financial incentives for emission reductions, with prices set by emission caps established by participating nations.
• Article 6 of the Paris Agreement:

• • • It facilitates international collaboration to lower carbon emissions.
    • It offers two pathways for countries and companies to trade carbon offsets, supporting the achievement of emission reduction targets set in their climate action plans, or nationally determined contributions (NDCs).
    • The first option, known as Article 6.2, allows two countries to establish a bilateral carbon trading agreement under their own terms.
    • The second, Article 6.4, seeks to develop a centralized, UN-managed system to enable both countries and companies to offset and trade carbon emissions.
• Progress at COP29:

• • In a landmark decision at the first day of the global climate talks here, COP29 have officially adopted the new operational standards for a mechanism of the Paris Agreement under Article 6, setting the stage for a global carbon market.
  • This adoption of Article 6.4, achieved during the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA), sets the stage for operationalising Article 6, which has faced years of deadlock.

• PM Modi is scheduled to visit Odisha for a three-day visit. 
• He along with Union Home minister Amit Shah will be here to attend the three-day director general of police (DGP) and inspector general of police (IG) conference in Bhubaneswar.

Key Points:

• Apart from Modi and Shah, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, senior officers of the Intelligence Bureau, DGPs of all states, DG of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), chiefs of Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), National Security Guard (NSG) and Special Protection Group (SPG) will attend the conference.

About:

• The All-India Conference of Directors General (DGs) and Inspectors General (IGs) of Police is a high-level annual event where top police officials from across India gather to discuss critical issues related to policing and internal security.
• The 29th All-India Conference of Director Generals (DGs) and Inspectors General (IGs) of Police is scheduled to be held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha from November 29th to December 1st, 2024. 
• This significant event will bring together top police officials from across the country to discuss crucial issues related to national security, law enforcement, and internal security

• Odisha CM celebrated Odisha State Day at the India International Trade Fair (IITF) in New Delhi. 
• The event showcased the state’s rich cultural heritage, diverse handicrafts, and thriving industries. 

About:

• Odisha State Day is celebrated annually on November 1st to commemorate the formation of the state of Odisha in 1936. 
• This day marks a significant milestone in the history of Odisha, recognizing the state’s rich cultural heritage, diverse traditions, and significant contributions to India’s history. 
• The day is celebrated with various cultural programs, parades, and other festivities, showcasing the state’s unique identity and spirit

• Tributes were paid to Sahid Laxman Nayak, a brave Indian soldier at the circle jail where he was hanged to death by the British. 
• His selfless act of courage and patriotism continues to inspire generations. 

About:

• Sahid Laxman Nayak was a prominent tribal leader and freedom fighter from Odisha. 
• Born in 1899 in the Koraput district, he played a crucial role in the Indian independence movement, particularly in the Quit India Movement of 1942.

All rights are reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of Adda247.