CURRENT AFFAIRS 12 November, 2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS 12 November, 2024

1. SUPREME COURT OVERTURNS 1967 RULING ON AMU’S MINORITY STATUS –

• In a historic 4-3 decision on November 8, 2024, the Supreme Court overturned its 1967 ruling in the Azeez Basha case, which had denied Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) minority institution status.
• This landmark judgment paves the way for AMU’s minority status to be reassessed based on its historical, administrative, and founding context, under the protective framework of Article 30 of the Indian Constitution. While AMU’s status remains undecided, the verdict has crucial implications for how educational institutions are recognized under constitutional provisions.
• In 1967, the Supreme Court’s Azeez Basha judgment ruled that AMU was not established or administered by a Muslim minority community, thereby disqualifying it from claiming minority status under Article 30(1). Despite subsequent legislative amendments, including the 1981 recognition of AMU’s Muslim origins, the issue remained contentious, culminating in this fresh review by a seven-judge bench.

2. INDIA’S HISTORIC RISE: RANKED 6TH GLOBALLY IN WIPO PATENT FILINGS 2023 –

• India has made remarkable progress in intellectual property (IP) filings, securing 6th place globally for the first time in 2023, according to the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Global Patent Filing Report.
• This achievement reflects a robust growth of 15.7% in patent filings, marking the fifth consecutive year of double-digit growth in India. With more than 64,480 patents filed in 2023, India’s contributions are now among the top 10 nations globally across major IP rights, including patents, trademarks, and industrial designs.
• Record Growth in India: India recorded 64,480 patent filings in 2023, reflecting a 15.7% year-over-year increase. This was the largest growth rate among the top 20 patent-filing countries.
• Global Patent Filing Surge: Globally, over 35 lakh patents were filed, with China leading at 1.64 million, followed by the USA, Japan, South Korea, and Germany. India stands sixth, ahead of Germany, with a consistent rise in patent activity.
• India’s Top 10 IP Ranking: For the first time, India is included in the top 10 countries for patent, industrial design, and trademark applications. These areas saw dramatic increases, with patent and design filings more than doubling since 2018 and trademark applications up by 60%.

3. INDIA LAUNCHES FIRST SPACE DEFENSE EXERCISE ANTARIKSHA ABHYAS – 2024 –

• The Defence Space Agency, under the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, is conducting Antariksha Abhyas – 2024, a groundbreaking three-day exercise from November 11 to 13, 2024. This first-of-its-kind space exercise aims to simulate and address the growing threats to space-based assets and services.
• Antariksha Abhyas – 2024 is a three-day space defense exercise conducted from November 11 to 13, 2024.
• Organized by the Defence Space Agency under the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, the exercise focuses on simulating threats to and from space-based assets and services.

4. IGAS BAGWAL: CELEBRATING UTTARAKHAND’S VIBRANT FOLK HERITAGE –

• Uttarakhand, a state rich in culture and tradition, observes a unique festival known as Igas Bagwal. This festival, also called Budhi Diwali or Harbodhni Ekadashi, is celebrated in the mountainous regions with reverence and joy, precisely 11 days after Diwali.
• Rooted in local customs, Igas Bagwal represents the essence of Uttarakhand’s folk heritage, uniting communities through shared festivities and traditional practices. This article delves into the significance, customs, and cultural essence of Igas Bagwal, offering insight into one of the most treasured festivals in Uttarakhand. This year this festival starts from 12 November.

5. STATE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2024 REPORT –

• Recent findings from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) highlight staggering hidden costs within global agrifood systems. The study estimates these costs at approximately $12 trillion annually, with 70% linked to unhealthy diets.
• This has important implications for public health and environmental sustainability.
• The study identifies 13 dietary risk factors contributing to non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
• Key concerns include low intake of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, alongside excessive sodium and high consumption of processed meats. These dietary patterns vary across different agrifood systems.