Published on: November 26, 2024

Snippets :26 NOVEMBER 2024

Snippets :26 NOVEMBER 2024

  • The Supreme Court recently dismissed petitions challenging the inclusion of the words ‘secular’ and ‘socialist’ in the Preamble of the Constitution, which were added through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment in 1976 during the Emergency. The Court criticized the delay in raising the issue, asserting that the constitutional position on the matter was clear and did not require exhaustive examination. It emphasized that the terms ‘secular’ and ‘socialist’ align with India’s evolving societal framework and have not hindered legislation or government policies. The Court also reaffirmed that Parliament has the power to amend any part of the Constitution, including the Preamble, and that retrospective amendments under Article 368 are constitutionally valid. The petitioners’ arguments, claiming that the amendment contradicted the Constituent Assembly’s original exclusion of ‘secular’ and that ‘socialist’ limits economic policy, were rejected. The Court concluded that the Constitution, as a living document, evolves with societal changes.
  • The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the continuation of the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under NITI Aayog, with an increased scope and a budget of Rs. 2,750 crore until March 31, 2028. AIM 2.0 seeks to enhance India’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem by focusing on fostering innovation, increasing the global competitiveness of India, and contributing to job creation. It builds upon the achievements of AIM 1.0, such as Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) and Atal Incubation Centers (AIC), while introducing new initiatives to address gaps in the ecosystem. Key programs include the Language Inclusive Program of Innovation (LIPI), which aims to create innovation ecosystems in 22 scheduled languages, and The Frontier Program, targeting underserved regions like Jammu & Kashmir and the North Eastern States. AIM 2.0 also focuses on improving startup success rates through initiatives like the Human Capital Development Program and the Deeptech Reactor. Additionally, the mission will foster international collaboration through initiatives such as the Annual Global Tinkering Olympiad and the Startup20 Engagement Group under the G20.
  • The Cabinet recently approved the PAN 2.0 project, which aims to modernize the existing Permanent Account Number (PAN) system with a financial allocation of Rs 1,435 crore. The new system will introduce a QR code to all PAN cards, integrating them into a unified system for individuals and businesses. It will be fully online and paperless, offering a seamless application process. Additionally, a mandatory data vault will protect PAN-related information, ensuring cybersecurity for businesses. PAN 2.0 will simplify tax filings, improve security, and make it easier to manage PAN-related services through a consolidated online portal. This upgrade will enhance the integration of financial transactions with the tax department, benefiting both individuals and businesses.
  • The Union Cabinet has approved the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF), a centrally-sponsored initiative aimed at promoting chemical-free farming. With a total budget of ₹2,481 crore, the scheme is funded by both the Centre (₹1,584 crore) and states (₹897 crore) and will continue until 2025-26 under the 15th Finance Commission period. The mission, led by the Ministry of Agriculture, seeks to encourage natural farming as an alternative to chemical-based agriculture. It will focus on integrating local livestock, using natural farming inputs like Jeevamrit and Beejamrit, and adopting diversified cropping systems based on agro-ecological principles and local knowledge. The initiative targets 1 crore farmers and 7.5 lakh hectares of farmland, with 15,000 clusters in gram panchayats. Additionally, 2,000 model demonstration farms will be established at Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), agricultural universities (AUs), and farmers’ fields. Training will be provided to farmers, with 18.75 lakh farmers learning to produce or procure inputs from Bio-input Resource Centres (BRCs), while 30,000 Krishi Sakhis/Community Resource Persons (CRPs) will spread awareness across regions.
  • The Department of Tourism plans to build 20 “traveller nooks” at Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to enhance accessibility and convenience. These nooks will offer facilities like drinking water, toilets, and information kiosks, and are expected to increase annual tourist visits from 1.28 million to 2.06 million over the next five years.
  • The Manjusha Museum, owned by Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade, has received special recognition from the India Book of Records in the ‘largest single man diverse collection of antiques’ category.
  • Residents of Singapura,Bengaluru celebrated the town’s 500th anniversary on November 26, 2024, marking the earliest historical reference to Singapura from an inscription dated November 26, 1524. The three-day festivities, held from November 25 to 27, featured cultural and religious events, including bhajans, prasadam distribution, and a play performed by local school students on Singapura’s history.
  • Jannik Sinner led Italy to a successful defense of the Davis Cup, defeating Tallon Griekspoor 7-6 (7/2), 6-2 in the final against the Netherlands, capping off a sensational year that includes titles at the Australian Open, US Open, and ATP Finals.
  • Scientists from the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre For Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) have made a groundbreaking discovery in detecting the Monkeypox virus. They’ve identified a new route to understand the virology of the virus and developed diagnostic tools for the infection. The researchers have pinpointed highly conserved G-quadruplex (GQ) forming DNA sequences within the MPV genome. Using a tailored fluorescent small-molecule probe, they can precisely detect the MPV. This breakthrough has therapeutic implications and paves the way for developing diagnostic tools and treatments. The Department of Science and Technology notes that these GQ sequences are stable, highly conserved, and not present in other pox viruses or the human genome. A novel fluorogenic molecular probe has also been developed, delivering over 250-fold enhancement in fluorescence output upon binding with MPV GQs.
  • Minister M.B. Patil has announced a proposal to rename three railway stations in Koppal district: Gangavati to Anjanadri, Bhanapura to Mahatma Gandhi, and Munirabad to Huligemma Devi. The proposal, forwarded to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, aims to honor the sentiments of the Kalyana Karnataka region’s people, with Anjanadri being Lord Anjaneya’s birthplace and Huligemma Devi a revered folk deity, while renaming Bhanapura after Gandhiji holds historical significance.
  • The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has invited online applications for the single girl child merit scholarship scheme, aiming to provide scholarships to meritorious female students who are the only children of their parents, have passed CBSE Class X with 60% or more marks, and are continuing their education in Class XI and XII. Eligible applicants must be Indian nationals, single girl children, and have parental income up to Rs. 8 lakh per annum. The scholarship provides ₹500 per month for a maximum of two years, payable through ECS/NEFT, and existing holders can renew for Class XII if they secure 50% or more marks in Class XI exams.
  • Chikkamagaluru District health officials are on high alert to prevent Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), also known as monkey fever, in the district. KFD is a tick-borne viral haemorrhagic disease mostly found in southern India, first reported in Karnataka’s Kyasanur Forest in 1957. The disease is transmitted by tick species, with small rodents, monkeys, and birds playing a role in its transmission. Symptoms include high-grade fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and occasionally neurological and haemorrhagic manifestations, with a mortality rate of 5-10%. While there’s no cure, supportive care and a vaccine are available, recommended in KFD-prone areas.
  • The Narasapuram lace craft, originating from Andhra Pradesh, has received the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This traditional craft, dating back 150 years, involves women from the farming community creating intricate artefacts from colourful lace using thin threads and crochet needles. The craft has survived historical events like the Indian famine and the Great Depression, with over 2,000 women involved by the early 1900s. Narsapur’s hand-made crochet industry produces various products like doilies, pillow covers, and bed spreads, many of which are exported to the USA, UK, and France.