November 24th Current Affairs
Table of Contents
Participant and Non-Participant Observation
Home / Participant and Non-Participant Observation Participant Observation Meaning and Nature of Participant Observation Participant observation is a qualitative research
Schedule as a Data Collection Tool in Sociology
Home / Schedule as a Data Collection Tool in Sociology In sociological research, the accuracy and reliability of data depend
Interview as a Data Collection Method in Sociology
Home / Interview as a Data Collection Method in Sociology In sociological research, understanding human behavior, attitudes, and social processes
Questionnaire as a Quantitative Method
Home / Questionnaire as a Quantitative Method In social science research, the questionnaire is one of the most widely used
Census as a Quantitative Method
Home / Census as a Quantitative Method The census is one of the most comprehensive quantitative tools used in social
Survey as a Quantitative Method
Home / Survey as a Quantitative Method In sociological research, quantitative methods are essential for studying social phenomena in a
Techniques of Data Collection in Sociology
Home / Techniques of Data Collection in Sociology Techniques of data collection constitute one of the most significant components of
Qualitative Research Method in Sociology
Home / Qualitative Research Method in Sociology Qualitative research refers to an approach to social research that focuses on non-quantitative
Quantitative Research Method in Sociology
Home / Quantitative Research Method in Sociology Quantitative research refers to a systematic investigation of social phenomena through the collection
Research Methodology in Sociology
Home / Research Methodology in Sociology Research refers to a systematic, objective, and critical investigation of social reality with the
Justice Surya Kant sworn in as 53rd Chief Justice of India
Relevance to UPSC
GS Paper II: Polity, Constitution & Judiciary
- Appointment of the Chief Justice of India, shows how the top judicial office is filled under Article 124(2) of the Constitution.
- Tenure and retirement of judges, his tenure (~15 months) and retirement age (65) are directly related to constitutional provisions.
- Role of the CJI in shaping the judiciary, under his leadership, the Supreme Court may take up significant constitutional and social issues.
More About the News
- Justice Surya Kant was sworn in on 24 November 2025 as India’s 53rd Chief Justice, appointed by President Murmu.
- He will serve for nearly 15 months, retiring on 9 February 2027 upon reaching the age of 65.
- Justice Kant has delivered landmark judgments on Article 370, electoral reforms, and the Pegasus spyware case during his Supreme Court tenure.
Collegium System of Judicial Appointments
India’s Collegium system, evolved through judicial rulings rather than constitutional design, governs higher judicial appointments. Its functioning significantly influences judicial independence, transparency, accountability, and the broader balance between executive and judiciary.
What is the Collegium System?
- A mechanism for appointing and transferring judges in the Supreme Court and High Courts.
- Not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution; evolved through Supreme Court judgments.
- Supreme Court Collegium comprises the CJI and four senior-most judges.
- High Court Collegium includes the Chief Justice and two senior-most judges.
- Government may seek clarifications, but must appoint judges if recommendations are reiterated.
Constitutional Provisions
- Article 124: SC judges appointed by the President after consultation with judges deemed necessary; CJI must always be consulted.
- Article 217: HC judges appointed by the President after consulting the CJI, Governor, and Chief Justice of the concerned High Court.
Evolution of the Collegium
- First Judges Case (1981) – “Consultation” does not mean “concurrence”; executive primacy upheld.
- Second Judges Case (1993) – Consultation interpreted as concurrence; judicial primacy established; CJI to consult two senior judges.
- Third Judges Case (1998) – Collegium expanded to CJI + four senior-most judges; plurality emphasized.
- NJAC Act 2014 – Introduced to replace Collegium, but struck down by SC for threatening judicial independence.
Arguments in Favour of the Collegium System
- Ensures judicial independence free from executive or political influence.
- Provides institutional continuity through internal peer assessment.
- Protects judiciary from majoritarian pressures or ideological appointments.
- Senior judges possess firsthand knowledge of professional competence and integrity of candidates.
- Reduces risk of appointments based on political loyalty or patronage.
Arguments Against the Collegium System
- Lacks transparency, as selection criteria and reasons are not disclosed.
- No accountability, since decisions are internal and immune from scrutiny.
- Possibility of nepotism, favouring relatives, former juniors, or known candidates.
- Excludes the executive, undermining the constitutional idea of checks and balances.
- Fails to ensure social, regional, gender representation in higher judiciary.
- Slow decision-making contributes to large judicial vacancies and pendency.
Way Forward
- Reform the MoP to improve accountability and ensure balanced roles for judiciary and executive.
- Broaden eligibility criteria to include merit, integrity, diversity, and public orientation.
- Invite applications publicly to widen the talent pool.
- Improve representation of women and marginalized groups.
- Increase transparency through written opinions, documented deliberations, and published criteria.
- Follow Law Commission recommendations:
- Equal role of executive and judiciary.
- Raise retirement age (HC: 65; SC: 68).
- Appoint distinguished jurists and meritorious advocates as originally envisioned.
A modern judicial appointment system must blend independence with transparency, diversity, and shared responsibility. Evolving the Collegium through structured reforms and inclusive procedures can strengthen public trust and ensure a more representative judiciary.
Prelims MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements regarding Urban Local Governance in India:
1. The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act (1992) provided constitutional status to urban local bodies.
2. Nagar Panchayats, Municipal Councils, and Municipal Corporations are forms of urban local bodies recognized under the Constitution.
3. The Constitution mandates direct elections for the Chairpersons of all urban local bodies.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Mains Question
Q. Critically examine the Supreme Court’s judgement on the ‘National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014’ with reference to the appointment of judges of higher judiciary in India. (PYQ 2017)
Maybe we would have run away: Ramaphosa's banter with PM Modi on hosting G20
Relevance to UPSC
GS Paper II: International Relations
- Illustrates diplomatic rapport between India and South Africa, important for bilateral relations.
- Reflects India’s soft power projection through its G20 presidency legacy.
- Highlights multilateral cooperation dynamics in the Global South (G20 as a forum).
More About the News
- Ramaphosa joked to PM Modi that hosting the G20 was extremely challenging and joked, “maybe we would have run away.”
- He thanked India for its strong support during their presidency and said South Africa learned a lot from India’s G20 stewardship.
- Modi responded with warmth, saying “small is always beautiful” when Ramaphosa called South Africa’s G20 effort comparatively modest.
India-Africa Relations
India–Africa relations are rooted in shared colonial experiences, South–South cooperation, and mutual aspirations for inclusive growth, sustainable development, and a multipolar global order promoting equitable partnerships.
Overview
- Rooted in shared anti-colonial struggles and the vision of inclusive development, India–Africa ties emphasize mutual respect and partnership for progress.
- Collaboration spans diverse sectors—trade, health, education, energy and technology are anchored in South-South cooperation.
- As Nelson Mandela aptly noted, India and South Africa are connected by “bonds of sentiment and cultural kinship.”
Importance of Africa for India
- Demographic Dividend: Africa’s expanding youth population and rising urban middle class present immense opportunities for trade, innovation, and investment partnerships.
- Resource Security: Africa’s vast reserves of minerals like platinum, gold, cobalt and diamonds strengthen India’s supply chain resilience.
- Medical & Health Linkages: African nationals form over one-fifth of India’s medical tourism base, highlighting healthcare interdependence.
- Educational Partnership: With 25,000+ African students in India, higher education acts as a foundation for long-term diplomatic goodwill.
- Market Potential: India’s engagement with Africa’s consumer-driven economies like agribusiness, pharma and automobiles will boost mutual growth.
Areas of Cooperation
- Trade and Investment: Bilateral trade surpassing $100 billion (2023) reflects collaboration in agriculture, manufacturing, and tech sectors; Indian investments in Africa cross $98 billion.
- Infrastructure and Connectivity: Indian assistance in roads, power, and telecommunications enhances Africa’s developmental capacity.
- Capacity Building: Through ITEC and Pan-African e-Network programs, India shares expertise in digital governance, solar energy, and urban infrastructure.
- Agriculture & Food Security: Joint research on sustainable farming and the India–Africa Agriculture Cooperation Plan enhance productivity and resilience.
- Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals: Supply of affordable generics for malaria, HIV/AIDS, and TB strengthens India’s reputation as the “pharmacy of the Global South.”
- Renewable Energy: Collaboration in solar and wind energy aligns with the International Solar Alliance and Africa’s green transition goals.
- Cultural & Educational Exchanges: Festivals, scholarships, and digital education initiatives (e-VidyaBharti, e-ArogyaBharti) enrich people-to-people connections.
Chinese Engagement in Africa
- China’s deepening footprint through Belt and Road investments, infrastructure loans, and peacekeeping roles poses competitive challenges to India.
- Concerns persist over debt sustainability, transparency, and local employment standards under Chinese-funded projects.
- Beijing’s military access to African ports and its aggressive resource acquisitions highlight the strategic contest in the region.
Issues and Challenges
- Geopolitical Rivalries: Africa’s emergence as a theatre for great power competition (China, USA, EU, Russia) complicates India’s strategic outreach.
- Policy Fragmentation: India’s Africa policy lacks the institutional coordination and financial scale of China’s engagement model.
- Security Concerns: Ongoing conflicts in Sudan, DRC, and Ethiopia threaten peacekeeping operations and economic investments.
- Image and Perception: Racial incidents in India occasionally strain goodwill and mutual trust.
- Strategic Distraction: India’s focus on Indo-Pacific priorities risks overshadowing its Africa engagement.
Instability and Implications for India
- Civil strife and governance crises disrupt access to key minerals like cobalt, crucial for India’s EV ambitions.
- Indian troops in UN peacekeeping missions face operational hazards, with fatalities in hotspots like the DRC.
- China’s stability-focused investments often allow it to consolidate influence during African political transitions.
Way Forward
- Political Revitalization: Revive the India–Africa Forum Summit and institutionalize annual high-level dialogues; appoint a dedicated Africa Secretary in MEA.
- Defence and Maritime Cooperation: Strengthen naval presence, deploy defence attachés, and extend Lines of Credit for defence exports and training.
- Economic Deepening: Launch an Africa Growth and Development Fund to boost infrastructure financing and project exports.
- Cultural Diplomacy: Establish an India–Africa Centre for Studies, promote cultural festivals, and rename scholarships after iconic African leaders.
Looking ahead, India–Africa ties will deepen through technology, renewable energy, digital connectivity, and education, strengthening strategic autonomy, food security, and resilient supply chains across the Global South.
Prelims MCQ
Q. Consider the following pairs of African lakes and their correct characteristics:
1. Lake Tanganyika – World’s longest freshwater lake and second deepest after Lake Baikal
2. Lake Victoria – Largest tropical lake in the world and source of the White Nile
3. Lake Chad – Expanding lake due to increased rainfall and glacial melt
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
Mains Question
Q. If the last few decades were of Asia’s growth story, the next few are expected to be of Africa’s. In the light of this statement, examine India’s influence in Africa in recent years. (PYQ 2021)
'Sindh May Return To India Again': In Big Remark, Rajnath Singh Says Borders Can Change
Relevance to UPSC
GS Paper I: History & Culture
- Refers to civilisational ties, Sindh is part of the Indus Valley Civilisation, underlining India’s shared cultural heritage.
- Connects to Partition history and the Sindhi diaspora, relevant for understanding post-1947 demographic and cultural shifts.
GS Paper II: International Relations
- Reflects India-Pakistan territorial rhetoric and its potential diplomatic implications.
- Raises questions about non-permanence of international borders and India’s long-term geopolitical posture.
- Touches on historical memory and civilisational claims in diplomacy, which influence bilateral relations.
More About the News
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that although Sindh is now part of Pakistan, “borders can change” and it may return.
- He invoked LK Advani, stating that Sindhi Hindus never fully accepted Sindh’s partition, highlighting its strong civilisational connection.
- Pakistan’s Foreign Office strongly condemned the remarks, calling them “dangerously revisionist” and inconsistent with international law.
India-Pakistan Relations
The India-Pakistan border, stretching over approximately 3,323 km, is one of the most sensitive and strategically significant boundaries in South Asia. It encompasses the International Boundary (IB) in Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, and the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu & Kashmir. This border has historically shaped bilateral relations, security dynamics, and regional stability.
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Border Issues & Length |
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Managing the India-Pakistan border requires a combination of robust security measures, diplomatic engagement, and confidence-building initiatives. Enhanced cooperation on trade, water-sharing, and people-to-people contacts can reduce tensions. A forward-looking strategy will help in promoting peace, stability, and regional economic integration.
Prelims MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements: (PYQ 2022)
1. “The Climate Group” is an international non-profit organization that drives climate action by building large networks and runs them.
2. The International Energy Agency in partnership with the Climate Group launched a global initiative “EP100”.
3. EP100 brings together leading companies committed to driving innovation in energy efficiency and increasing competitiveness while delivering on emission reduction goals.
4. Some Indian companies are members of EP100.
5. The International Energy Agency is the Secretariat to the “Under2 Coalition”.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Mains Question
Q. Terrorist activities and mutual distrust have clouded India-Pakistan relations. To what extent the use of soft power like sports and cultural exchanges could help generate goodwill between the two countries? Discuss with suitable examples. (PYQ 2015)
Political uproar in Punjab as Centre lists new Bill to appoint Lt Governor for Chandigarh
Relevance to UPSC
GS Paper II: Polity & Constitution, Centre-State Relations
- The proposed 131st Amendment Bill, 2025 seeks to bring Chandigarh under Article 240, enabling the President to make regulations and appoint a Lieutenant Governor.
- This raises questions about federalism, as it can weaken Punjab’s control over its capital.
- Political actors (AAP, Congress, SAD) view the move as erosion of historical/state rights, giving the Centre more direct governance power.
More about the News
- The Centre intends to introduce the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025, to bring Chandigarh under Article 240.
- Punjab’s AAP, Congress, and SAD strongly oppose it, claiming it dilutes the state’s historic claim to their capital.
- The move would allow the President to appoint a Lieutenant Governor, replacing the current administration by the Punjab Governor.
Centre-State Relations
Note: The above topic has been covered under the Current Affairs of 04/10/2025 . Click here and refer to it.
Bengaluru's homebuyers petition National Human Rights Commission over delay in Apartment ownership Law
Relevance to UPSC
GS Paper II: Governance, National Human Rights Commission, Statutory and Non-Constitutional Bodies
- The petition to NHRC frames a delay in housing law as a violation of fundamental rights, highlighting how governance affects citizens’ dignity.
- Examines accountability of state government for not notifying the Karnataka Apartment Ownership & Management Act, 2025.
- Shows role of regulatory bodies (RERA, NHRC) in ensuring legal protections and enforcing citizen rights in real estate.
More about the News
- The Karnataka Home Buyers Forum has petitioned the NHRC, claiming delayed notification of the 2025 Apartment Ownership Act violates homebuyers’ rights.
- Due to the delay, homeowners are unable to form resident associations or legally govern their common areas, causing major governance uncertainty.
- Though drafts were ready as of June 2024, the law remains unnotified, leaving many apartment owners in limbo.
Human Rights
Note: The above topic has been covered under the Current Affairs of 04/10/2025 . Click here and refer to it.
