11th November, 2024 Current Affairs

NATIONAL 

Centre Doubles Stubble Burning Penalty Post Supreme Court Directive.

•    In response to the Supreme Court’s criticism of the “toothless” penalties under the Environment Protection Act (EPA) of 1986, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has doubled the fines on stubble burning. This move aims to curb stubble burning and address the worsening air quality in Delhi and nearby regions.
•    Penalties enforced through the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) Act of 2021.
•    Rules apply to Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and NCR areas in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
•    Reduced from 71,829 in 2020 to 12,514 between September 16 and November 6, as per the Indian Agricultural Research Institute.
•    MoEFCC introduced new Environment Protection (Manner of Holding Inquiry and Imposition of Penalty) Rules, 2024.
•    Guidelines outline factors for penalty assessment based on project type, industry size, and violation nature.

Govt. Invites Proposals for Green Hydrogen Excellence Centers.

•    The Government of India, through the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), has issued a call for proposals (CfP) for setting up Centers of Excellence (CoE) under the Research and Development (R&D) Scheme of the National Green Hydrogen Mission. Announced on 4th November 2024.
•    The Government of India has issued a Call for Proposals (CfP) for the establishment of Centres of Excellence (CoE) under the Research and Development (R&D) Scheme of the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
•    Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) on 4th November 2024.
•    To foster innovation, sustainability, and energy independence through the development of Green Hydrogen technologies.
 

INTERNATIONAL

India Stands Alone in Opposing Pakistan’s UN Arms Control Proposal

•    India did not support Pakistan and Syria’s resolution on “conventional arms control at the regional and subregional levels” during the First Committee of the UN General Assembly. The resolution, which aimed at promoting arms control in specific regions, was adopted with 179 votes in favor. 
•    Israel was absent/abstain from the vote, while India stood as the only country to oppose the resolution, reflecting its concerns over the potential regional implications for its national security.
•    India’s opposition likely reflects concerns about the regional arms control framework being influenced by countries with divergent security priorities, particularly with regard to its national security interests in South Asia.

India, Australia Launch Joint Military Drill Austrahind in Maharashtra.

•    The third edition of the joint military exercise AUSTRAHIND commenced today at the Foreign Training Node in Pune, Maharashtra. The exercise, scheduled from 8th to 21st November 2024, is a key annual event held alternately in India and Australia. The previous edition of AUSTRAHIND took place in Australia in December 2023.
•    Exercise AUSTRAHIND, the third edition, commenced at the Foreign Training Node, Pune, Maharashtra.
•    The exercise will be held from 8th to 21st November 2024.
•    It is an annual event conducted alternately between India and Australia.
•    Last year’s edition was held in Australia (December 2023).