Top News Highlights-7 November 2024

Supreme Court Upholds the Validity of the Uttar Pradesh Madarsa Act

• The Supreme Court reversed Allahabad High Court’s judgment that declared the Madarsa Act unconstitutional for violating Secularism and some fundamental rights. The court always maintained that only if laws violate fundamental rights, they could be struck down, not just because they violated the basic structure of the Constitution.
• Law Regulating Madarsa Education is Under State Legislative Power
• State legislation falls under the concurrent list of Entry 25.
• Provisions relating to Degrees in Higher Education are Held to be Ultra Vires
• Such provisions conflict with the UGC Act

UNEP and IUCN Release Protected Planet Report 2024

• The report tracks the world’s Protected and Conserved Areas
• Records 17.6% coverage of terrestrial areas and 8.4% for marine zones.
• Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework sets the imperative at 30% global PCA coverage by 2030, while respecting IPLC’s rights.
• Data show that “only 8.5% of protected land areas are consolidated”; the global funding for conservation purposes needs to be increased.
• International financing for developing countries needs to be strengthened to support PCA efforts.

Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) Consolidation Plan

• It will reduce RRBs from 43 to 28 according to the One State-One RRB vision for better efficiency. This is the fourth round of consolidation after previous rounds in the period of 2004-2020 and reduced RRBs from 196 to 43. This kind of consolidation has increased the adoption of technology and operational outreach.
• RRBs were introduced in 1975 and are a part of the shareholding structure as per the Government of India (50%), State Government (15%), and Sponsor Bank (35%).
• Consolidation will decrease overhead costs, increase service diversification, and strengthen governance.

India Hosts International Solar Alliance (ISA) Annual Assembly

• India was re-elected as ISA President for 2024-2026 with France as Vice-President. This is not only because France has a lead role in solar energy programs but also reflects India’s position as a leader in that space.
• Reports indicate that global solar capacity has touched approximately 1,419 GW in 2023 and is expected to exceed 1,100 GW in 2024 in solar manufacturing.
• Solar power is on the receiving end of 59 percent of renewable energy investments today as the technology continues to make it cheaper.
• ISA, formed in 2015 now has 103 members as it looks to solar power for a cleaner, greener future.

Supreme Court Clarifies ‘Material Resources of the Community’ under Article 39(b)

• The Supreme Court ruled that private property cannot be deemed “community resources” categorically under Article 39(b) of the Directive Principles.
• Public Trust Doctrine was emphasized, where natural resources ought to be equitably available to all without discrimination.
• The judgment gives vivification to Keshavananda Bharati where it has streamlined judicial review rights for the economic policies in the distribution of resources.
• Article 31C protects laws under Article 39(b) and (c) from constitutional challenge if they are for public welfare.

Asia-Pacific Climate Report by ADB

• Asian Development Bank report for climate resilience initiatives in the Asia-Pacific, emphasized transition in new sources of energy and adaptation.
• ADB supports productive and catalytic activities about sustainable development and economic growth among 69 member states.
• The two largest shareholders in ADB are Japan and the United States.
• Headquarters were established in Manila, Philippines, signifying that the region is crucial to climate action.

Key Concepts and Policies

• Public Trust Doctrine: A legal principle that guarantees all critical natural resources are preserved for public use and can’t be limited by private ownership.
• Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF):  An agreement for 30% global conservation by 2030 with provisions for Indigenous and local community rights.
• Article 39(b) and Article 31C: Article 39 (b) supports equitable distribution of resources in a fair order. Article 31C protects laws related to resources against judicial review in case they violate some fundamental rights.
• ISA (International Solar Alliance): A global alliance initiated by India to improve the usage of solar power, ISA was formed at COP21 in Paris.
• Regional Rural Banks (RRBs): Established in 1975; RRBs are also rural financial services provided under the joint ownership of the Central Govt, State governments, and sponsoring banks.