Excelsior!

#IR

Russia launched an intercontinental ballistic missile during an attack on Ukraine on Thursday.

The Russian missile attack targeted enterprises and critical infrastructure in the central-eastern city of Dnipro

This is the first known use of ICBM in a war.

Sources say the missile was an RS-26 Rubezh, a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile with a range of 5,800 km.

(Ukraine fired U.S. ATACMS missiles into Russia on Tuesday after U.S. President Joe Biden gave the all-clear to use such missiles.)

https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/east-india-companies-of-the-tech-world-3284969

https://ift.tt/DJ3MZq0

https://theprint.in/india/education/indian-parents-trapped-in-a-spiral-of-soaring-private-school-costs-aspiration-fuels-eduflation/2352343/

https://theprint.in/india/20-lives-lost-in-road-accidents-every-hour-in-2023-half-the-victims-bike-riders-delhi-deadliest-city/2358802/?utm_source=TPWeb&utm_medium=Telegram&utm_campaign=TappChannel

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/everyday-explainers/bs-iii-petrol-bs-iv-diesel-ban-fine-9674529/

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/worst-polluters-in-delhi-ncr-emission-inventory-teri-9674400/

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/everyday-explainers/drdo-long-range-hypersonic-missile-capabilities-9674060/

https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2024/Nov/12/tech-giant-ibm-opens-its-biggest-gen-ai-innovation-centre-in-kochi

https://ift.tt/HQ9ODwZ

#GS2

https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/bangladesh-top-official-calls-for-removing-secular-from-constitution-citing-90-muslim-population-101731553955315.html

#GS2

Article 142

Article 142 of the COI provides a unique power to the Supreme Court, to do complete justice between the parties, where, at times, the law or statute may not provide a remedy.

Enables the Supreme Court toexercise executive and legislative functions in specific scenarios, including issuing guidelines, directives, or orders to governmental bodies or other authorities.

CASE LAWS

Union Carbide Corporation v. Union of India Case (1991), the Supreme Court placed itselfabove the laws made by the Parliament or the legislatures of the States by saying that, to do complete justice, it could even override the laws made by Parliament.

BUT

Supreme Court Bar Association v. Union of India (1998), the Supreme Court stated that Article 142 of the COI could not be used to supplant the existing law, but only to supplement the law.

https://theprint.in/environment/what-is-article-6-4-of-the-paris-agreement-adopted-at-cop29-why-climate-researchers-are-sceptical/2353086/?utm_source=WAWeb&utm_medium=WhatsApp&utm_campaign=WAWeb&utm_id=WhatsApp

Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement establishes a framework for a new international carbon market mechanism, which is designed to help countries meet their climate targets through cooperative approaches.

This builds on and seeks to improve previous carbon market mechanisms such as the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) under the Kyoto Protocol.

#GS2

https://theprint.in/india/inter-state-council-reconstituted-with-pm-as-chairman-all-cms-members-nda-allies-accommodated/2351806/


The Inter-State Council, which works for Centre-State and interstate coordination and cooperation, has been reconstituted with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as its chairman.

https://theprint.in/opinion/modi-xi-handshake-boosted-5-ds-in-eastern-ladakh-the-biggest-d-is-the-toughest/2351871/?utm_source=TPWeb&utm_medium=Telegram&utm_campaign=TappChannel

#PRELIMS

#ENVIRONMENT

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2072410

https://www.deccanherald.com/world/cop29-donald-trump-election-disappointing-but-work-will-continue-says-us-climate-envoy-3271541

https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/in-baku-bracing-for-a-tougher-race-3271978

https://ift.tt/6vA2lnf

https://www.hindustantimes.com/business/nestle-pepsico-sell-substandard-products-in-low-income-countries-like-india-claims-report-101731257761295.html

#GS2

INDUS WATER TREATY

Why does India want to modify Indus Water Treaty (IWT)?

1. In the context of climate change and erratic monsoon, India has increasing demands for water to support domestic, agricultural, and industrial needs. IWT gave lion share of the water for exclusive consumption to Pakistan. As per the treaty, India controls about 20% of the total water of the Indus system, while Pakistan gets about 80%.
Thus, India wants a re-examination of how water allocations is done.

2. The IWT has mechanisms for resolving disputes. But Pakistan has been misusing this mechanism. Specially in the case of Kishenganga and Ratle. Pakistan has itself initiated two separate mechanisms for the same issue inviting criticism from MEA. Pakistan’s proposal for a Permanent Court of Arbitration mechanism in these hydropower projects is in contravention to the graded dispute settlement mechanism.

3. When the IWT was signed in 1960, the knowledge and technology available for river management and data collection were relatively basic. Today's advancements in hydrology and river management technologies today allow for more precise and better monitoring and usage. India feels that the treaty could benefit from updates that reflect modern capabilities.

4. Moreover, the periodic conflicts and the increase in cross-border terrorism sponsored by Pakistan have led India to re-evaluate its relationship with Pakistan, including aspects involving shared water resources.

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Why in news?

Article XII (3) of the Treaty allows for modifications through a new, ratified agreement between both governments.

India had issued a notice to modify IWT in January 2023. Another formal notice to Pakistan, now seeking a ‘review and modification‘ of the agreement has been sent in August 2024.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/australia-social-media-ban-for-those-under-16-101730935640847.html

https://theprint.in/environment/how-trump-win-on-eve-of-cop29-could-impact-us-climate-commitments-support-for-indias-green-transition/2344991/

#PRELIMS

Israel heralded a “new era in warfare” after signing a multi-billion shekel deal for a laser-based missile defence system. The system — known as Iron Beam — is likely to become operational within the next year.

The Iron Beam will be a high-power laser designed to counter aerial threats, including rockets, mortar bombs, drones and cruise missiles. It will be used to supplement other existing aerial defence capacities (such as the more well-known Iron Dome) amid a multi-pronged war with neighbouring regions.

#PRELIMS

Thadou Tribe: They are an indigenous people who live in the hill country adjacent to the Imphal Valley in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur.

They speak Chin and Thado which belong to the Tibeto-Burman family of the Sino-Tibetan languages.

American Elections

There is no direct elections for the President. There is an electoral college which elects the President. The Electoral College that elects the President has 538 electors, with each state allotted a certain number of electors based on its congressional representation (Senators + Representatives).

Election Process

1. General Election is held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
2. On this day, the voters in each state cast ballots for their preferred Presidential candidate.
3. In most states, the candidate who wins the most number of votes in that state would get all of that state’s electors of the electoral college.
4. A candidate needs the support of at least 270 electors of the electoral college to win.

#PRELIMS

#PRELIMS

First Asian Buddhist Summit (ABS) in November first week.

Who? Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation.

Where? New Delhi.

Theme? ‘Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia’.

((The Summit is also a manifestation of India’s Act East Policy, which is principled on collective, inclusive and spiritual development of Asia with Dhamma as the guiding light.))

https://www.outlookbusiness.com/magazine/genz-toxic-workplaces-work-culture-indian-companies-workplace-toxicity

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-air-quality-worse-than-last-two-diwalis-9648611/

https://ift.tt/8f3CEFR

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-economics/explainspeaking-food-inflation-hits-rural-india-urban-areas-9647219/

https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-china-disengagement-depsang-demchok-complete-border-lac-2625658-2024-10-30

https://www.deccanherald.com/india/explained-what-is-a-digital-arrest-scam-3250891

https://ift.tt/iG3WqFN

🔍Why ‘protected’ areas are seeing faster biodiversity decline

https://ift.tt/68JFux0

https://www.deccanherald.com/world/how-russia-and-singapore-played-a-part-in-india-china-rapprochement-3248505

https://ift.tt/3bBsghc

https://www.business-standard.com/external-affairs-defence-security/news/brics-must-avoid-being-an-anti-west-group-as-it-grows-says-pm-modi-124102400534_1.html

https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-launches-nuclear-powered-submarine-s4-equipped-with-75-per-cent-indigenous-parts-769650

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/scheduled-castes-commission-investigate-issue-directions-civil-criminal-court-delhi-hc-9634230/

#GS2

#PRELIMS

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/good-news-for-sikh-pilgrims-as-india-pak-extend-kartarpur-sahib-agreement-by-5-years-101729615085354.html

#SnT

What is a bone ossification test, and how does it determine the age of a person?

Ossification is the natural process of bone formation. This starts from the early developmental stage of the foetus and continues until late adolescence, but differs slightly from individual to individual. Based on the stage of development of the bones, experts can determine the approximate age of the person.

In a bone ossification test, X-rays of a few bones, such as those of hands and the wrists, are conducted to determine skeletal and biological development. The images may be compared with X-rays of standard development, which can assist in determining the age.

https://youtu.be/VsSJC_7-5wg?si=jlsM5kw0TelXNeGV

Quad Cyber Challenge

India, the US, Australia and Japan have announced the continuation of 'Quad Cyber Challenge' with an aim to strengthen responsible cyber ecosystems, promote public resources, and raise cybersecurity awareness.

The theme of this year’s challenge is promoting cybersecurity education and building a strong workforce, the Quad countries said in a joint statement.

In February 2023, the United States, together with its Quad partners Australia, India, and Japan, launched the 'Quad Cyber Challenge' to promote responsible cyber habits across their nations, regions, and beyond.

https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/we-will-be-able-to-go-back-to-2020-patrolling-s-jaishankar-on-lac-border-row-6839082

Chandrababu Naidu and MK Stalin are advocating for population growth in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, respectively.

Both highlight the fiscal and demographic challenges southern states may face with aging populations.

Their primary concern lies with delimitation, which will reallocate Lok Sabha seats based on the population recorded in the next census. The Union government has yet to conduct the census. Based on the 2011 census, population growth is expected to be higher in northern states, meaning they will likely have more representatives in Parliament than the southern states.

The Finance Commission determines how tax revenues are shared among states, with a higher population leading to higher tax allocations from the Union government. For example, Uttar Pradesh recently received Rs 31,962 crore, the highest allocation, exceeding the combined total of Rs 28,152 crore given to the five southern states — Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.

https://www.thenewsminute.com/andhra-pradesh/why-cms-chandrababu-naidu-and-stalin-are-talking-about-increasing-the-population

India and China have arrived on agreement regarding restarting patrolling at LAC and have worked on disengagement post-2020 events. - Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri

https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/are-indias-companies-ready-to-tackle-data-breaches-3239613

#GS3

https://www.deccanherald.com/india/assam/dh-deciphers-what-supreme-court-verdict-on-section-6a-means-for-assam-3237183

https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/unlocking-potential-germanys-new-white-paper-and-chancellor-scholzs-upcoming-visit-to-india/3644088/

https://www.cnbctv18.com/world/china-protests-to-india-over-opening-of-taiwans-office-in-mumbai-19495002.htm