Daily News Analysis Report: 11 November 2024

1. 5 Years of Kartarpur Sahib Corridor

This month marks five years since the inauguration of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, a significant milestone in India-Pakistan relations. The corridor, inaugurated on 9 November 2019 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, allows visa-free access for Indian pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan, where Guru Nanak Dev Ji spent his final years.The corridor stands as a symbol of peace and religious harmony between the two nations, facilitating spiritual journeys for thousands of Sikh pilgrims annually. Both countries have agreed to extend the corridor agreement for another five years, reaffirming their commitment to this important initiative.

2. SC’s Judgment on Disability Rights

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court of India reiterated that accessibility is a fundamental right for persons with disabilities (PwDs). Despite various policies like the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPwD) and initiatives such as the Accessible India Campaign, ground-level implementation remains inconsistent.The court directed the government to update its disability rules within three months to ensure mandatory accessibility standards are enforced across public spaces and services. This judgment is a critical step toward creating an inclusive society where PwDs can fully participate without barriers.

3. Breaching of Antitrust Laws by Food Delivery Giants

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has found food delivery platforms Zomato and Swiggy guilty of violating antitrust laws. The investigation revealed that these companies were favoring select restaurants over others, leading to unfair competition and exploitation of smaller businesses.India’s Competition Act, 2002 aims to prevent monopolistic practices and promote fair trade. The CCI has recommended measures to curb such practices and ensure a level playing field for all stakeholders in the food delivery ecosystem.

4. Decline in Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) in Health in India

India has seen a notable reduction in out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) on healthcare, dropping from 64% in 2013-14 to 39% in 2021-22. This decline is attributed to increased government spending on healthcare through schemes like Ayushman Bharat and Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), which provide insurance coverage to economically vulnerable populations.This shift towards public-funded healthcare is crucial for achieving universal health coverage and reducing financial burdens on low-income households.

5. Adaptation Gap Report 2024

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) released its “Adaptation Gap Report 2024: Come Hell and High Water,” highlighting the widening gap between climate adaptation efforts and actual needs. Despite an increase in adaptation finance to $28 billion for developing countries, much more is required to meet global targets.India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) include reducing emissions intensity by 45% by 2030 and achieving significant renewable energy capacity—key steps toward mitigating climate impacts while adapting to future challenges.

6. On Improving Wind Energy Generation

Tamil Nadu has introduced a new policy aimed at repowering older wind turbines to boost energy output. While well-intentioned, stakeholders have raised concerns about its effectiveness due to implementation challenges.India has vast wind energy potential but currently utilizes only about 6.5% of it. The country aims to increase its renewable energy capacity significantly by 2030 as part of its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

7. News in Short

4B Movement

The “4B” movement has gained traction in the U.S., encouraging women to reject traditional gender roles by avoiding relationships with men as a form of protest against patriarchy.

QS World University Rankings

India continues to make strides in higher education with seven institutions ranked among Asia’s top 100 universities in the QS World University Rankings: Asia (2025). IIT Delhi leads at rank 44.

Recruitment Rules for Government Jobs Can’t Be Changed Midway

The Supreme Court ruled that recruitment rules cannot be altered once a selection process has begun unless explicitly permitted by existing regulations or advertisements.

Chief Justice of India (CJI)

Justice Sanjiv Khanna was sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India, with his term set until May 2025.

Gluten

Gluten-related allergies remain a concern globally, with coeliac disease affecting approximately 2% of the population. A gluten-free diet remains the primary treatment option.

Indian Firms on U.S. Blacklist

Nineteen Indian companies have been blacklisted by the U.S., accused of supplying dual-use technology to Russia amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Lightning Rods to Prevent Lightning Strikes

With climate change increasing lightning frequency worldwide, lightning rods are becoming essential safety installations for buildings prone to strikes.

Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launch (MBRL) System

France is evaluating India’s Pinaka MBRL system for potential adoption into its defense arsenal after successful trials demonstrated its effectiveness at hitting targets up to 75 kilometers away.