Comprehensive Current Affairs Analysis – December 2, 2024

©The Indian Daily News

1. Maharashtra Political Deadlock: Power Struggle in Mahayuti

The Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra remains undecided on its Chief Minister despite securing a resounding victory in the Assembly elections. BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis is the front-runner, with Eknath Shinde affirming support for the party’s choice. Opposition leader Aaditya Thackeray criticized the delay, labeling it disrespectful to Maharashtra’s mandate. The Chief Minister is expected to be announced by December 5.

Relevance for UPSC: Highlights coalition politics, federal structure, and governance dynamics.

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2. Cross-Border Security: Bangladesh Upheaval’s Impact

Despite recent political turbulence in Bangladesh, India reported no significant rise in illegal crossings at the Indo-Bangladesh border. Strict vigilance by the Border Security Force (BSF) ensures minimal infiltration.

Key Numbers: 3,907 undocumented individuals intercepted in 2024 so far, including 1,393 post-political changes in Bangladesh.

UPSC Angle: Important for border management, India-Bangladesh relations, and internal security.

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3. Cyclone Fengal: Natural Disaster and Response

Cyclone Fengal brought record rainfall to Puducherry (48.4 cm in 24 hours) and northern Tamil Nadu, causing massive flooding, crop damage, and infrastructure disruptions. Rescue operations led by the Army and NDRF evacuated over 600 people in Puducherry.

UPSC Focus: Disaster management, climate change resilience, and governance in emergencies.

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4. Maoist Insurgency: Telangana Encounter

Telangana police killed seven Maoists, including a senior leader, in the Pulakomma forest. The operation was part of preemptive measures before the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) week.

Relevance: Addresses internal security challenges and counter-insurgency operations in India.

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5. Global Environment: Plastic Treaty Talks Collapse

Negotiations in Busan, South Korea, to establish a global plastic treaty failed due to disagreements over production cuts. The divide between developed and developing nations continues to stall environmental agreements.

Significance for UPSC: Global governance, environmental treaties, and sustainable development.

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6. Political Developments in Delhi

Naresh Balyan Arrested: AAP MLA arrested in connection with extortion; BJP claims substantial evidence against him.

Nursery Admissions Controversy: Many private schools in Delhi violate DoE norms by awarding points for banned criteria like "parental education" and "meritorious child."

Parivartan Yatra: Delhi BJP announced a mass outreach program starting December 8 ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

Relevance for UPSC: Education policies, governance, and election strategies.

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7. Digital Scams and Cybersecurity

A Mumbai woman was duped of ₹1.78 lakh by cybercriminals posing as Delhi Police. The scam involved coercion into transferring money and compromising privacy during a video call.

Key Insight: Rising digital crimes underscore the need for robust cybersecurity laws and citizen awareness.

UPSC Link: Cybersecurity challenges, legal frameworks, and women’s safety.

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8. Maternal Mortality in Karnataka

The deaths of four mothers post-Caesarean operations at Ballari Hospital were linked to substandard IV fluids. The Karnataka government has suspended the Drugs Controller and blacklisted the supplier.

Focus for UPSC: Healthcare infrastructure, public health policies, and accountability in governance.

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9. Shelter Crisis for Transgender Communities

Garima Grehs, government-funded shelter homes for transgender individuals, face severe fund shortages, threatening closure. Many residents lack alternative support systems.

Relevance: Social justice, welfare schemes, and LGBTQIA+ rights.

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10. Stubble Burning and Air Pollution

The CAQM failed to provide data on "burnt areas" in Punjab and Haryana, as directed by the Supreme Court. The lack of accurate information hinders effective pollution management.

UPSC Focus: Environmental governance, agricultural practices, and public health.

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11. Delhi’s Homeless Crisis

NGO estimates reveal over 1.5 lakh homeless individuals in Delhi, significantly higher than official 2014 figures of 16,760. The city’s 197 shelter homes fall short of addressing the need.

UPSC Angle: Urban poverty, housing policies, and sustainable development.

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12. Wayanad Landslides: Political and Social Impact

Priyanka Gandhi accused the Union government of politicizing natural disasters like the devastating Wayanad landslides. She emphasized the importance of unity and humanitarian values during crises.

UPSC Relevance: Disaster management, ethical governance, and social cohesion.

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13. Global Drug Trafficking: Kingpin Arrested in Delhi

The Crime Branch arrested Lokesh Dhingra for smuggling 48 kg of marijuana worth ₹25 crore using the dark web and fake documents.

Importance for UPSC: Organized crime, international drug trade, and law enforcement mechanisms.

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14. Assam By-election and Beef Controversy

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma offered to ban beef if Congress formally requested it. The statement followed allegations of BJP using beef as a poll strategy in Muslim-majority constituencies.

Relevance: Communal politics, cultural sensitivity, and election strategies.

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15. Karnataka BJP Rift: Anti-Waqf March

The BJP in Karnataka faces internal discord with a rebel faction, led by MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, opposing eviction notices issued by the Waqf Board.

UPSC Focus: Religious issues, political factionalism, and governance.

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16. Naga Peace Talks: Progress and Challenges

Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio urged swift resolution of the decades-long Naga peace talks. Issues include divisions among extremist groups and skepticism about a lasting solution.

Relevance for UPSC: Northeast insurgency, peace processes, and governance in sensitive regions.

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Conclusion

The above news items provide critical insights into governance, security, environment, and socio-political dynamics, aligning well with UPSC requirements. They showcase the interconnectedness of domestic and global challenges, emphasizing the need for informed and responsive policies.