Daily Current Affairs 13 November 2026 – IAS Current Affairs

Current Affairs 13 November 2026 focuses on the Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :

One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC)

Source: PIB
GS II: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections

Why in the News?

The Department of Food and Public Distribution highlighted the progress of the One Nation, One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme, which enables beneficiaries to access their entitled food grains from any Fair Price Shop (FPS) across the country.

News in Brief

• Launched in 2019, ONORC enables nationwide portability of ration benefits under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS).
• Implemented across all 36 States/UTs, the scheme covers 100% of PMGKAY beneficiaries.
• It facilitates around 3.27 crore portability transactions monthly, with over 233 crore inter-state and intra-state transactions recorded since its inception.
• More than 614 LMT of food grains have been distributed through portability transactions, supported by Aadhaar authentication, e-PoS devices and digitized ration card databases to improve transparency.

What is One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC)?

• ONORC is a nationwide ration card portability initiative launched in 2019 by the Department of Food and Public Distribution.
• It enables eligible beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, to obtain their entitled subsidized food grains from any Fair Price Shop in India.
• Beneficiaries do not need to obtain a new ration card when they move to another state for employment or other reasons.
• The scheme uses technology-enabled authentication to facilitate access to foodgrain entitlements across state boundaries.
• It shifts the Public Distribution System from a location-based delivery model towards a portable and beneficiary-centric system.

Nationwide Portability

• Implemented across all 36 States/UTs.
• Covers 100% of PMGKAY beneficiaries.
• Facilitates access to foodgrain entitlements irrespective of the beneficiary’s place of residence.
• Particularly benefits migrant workers who frequently move between states in search of employment.

Strengthening Transparency through Digitalization

The government has introduced several technology-driven reforms to improve the efficiency of the Public Distribution System.

Digitization of ration cards

• Ration card and beneficiary databases have been 100% digitised across all States/UTs as of October 2026.
• The system covers approximately 78.65 crore beneficiaries.
• Out of 20.51 crore ration cards, 98.8% (20.27 crore) have been Aadhaar-seeded.
• Aadhaar seeding covers 76.97 crore beneficiaries.
• e-KYC has been completed for 71.52 crore beneficiaries, representing 91% of the total beneficiaries, as of 30 September 2026.

Electronic Point of Sale (e-PoS) Devices

• Out of 5.51 lakh Fair Price Shops, 99.8% (5.50 lakh) are equipped with operational e-PoS devices.
• These devices facilitate electronic authentication and improve transparency in foodgrain distribution.

Computerized supply chain

• Online foodgrain allocation has been implemented nationwide.
• Supply chains have been computerised in 31 States/UTs.
• This helps improve monitoring of foodgrain movement from procurement to distribution.

Grievance Redressal

• Transparency portals, online grievance redressal systems and toll-free helplines are operational across all States/UTs.
• These mechanisms help beneficiaries report problems and access information about their entitlements.

Rightful targeting and de-duplication

• Aadhaar-based authentication and PDS data analytics are used to identify suspicious and duplicate beneficiary records.
• Rightful Targeting Version 1 flagged 5.95 crore suspicious records, resulting in the deletion of 2.58 crore duplicate or ineligible entries.
• Rightful Targeting Version 3.63 flagged and deleted 68 lakh records.
• These measures aim to reduce leakages, prevent duplication and ensure that benefits reach eligible households.

SARTHAK-PDS Framework

• The government has introduced initiatives under the Scheme for Assistance in Ration Transport and Handling-Income with Automation in PDS (SARTHAK-PDS) to strengthen the technological and operational framework of the Public Distribution System. Important components include;
• NIRMAL
  • Strengthens the data architecture and analytics of the PDS.
  • Supports better management and monitoring of distribution-related information.
• SAKSHAM
  • Facilitates real-time data integration.
  • Incorporates Vehicle Location Tracking Systems to monitor food grain transportation from procurement to distribution.
• Other objectives of SARTHAK-PDS
  • Provides financial support for intra-state transportation and handling of foodgrains.
  • Supports Fair Price Shop dealer margins.
  • Promotes an integrated and interoperable PDS architecture.
  • Aims to minimize leakages and strengthen last-mile delivery.
  • The scheme is intended to continue until 31 March 2031.

SMART-PDS

• The Scheme for Modernization and Reforms through Technology in Public Distribution System (SMART-PDS) is another important initiative under the SARTHAK-PDS framework.
• It aims to;
  • Digitally integrate ration cards and foodgrain distribution.
  • Strengthen supply chain management.
  • Improve grievance redressal mechanisms.
  • Address technology gaps across States/UTs through an integrated central system.

Mera Ration App

• The Department of Food and Public Distribution launched the Mera Ration mobile application as part of technology-driven reforms under ONORC.
• The application is available in 13 languages and helps beneficiaries access ration-related information and services.
• Key Features:
  • Check monthly foodgrain entitlements.
  • View previous ration transactions.
  • Verify Aadhaar-seeding status.
  • Check eligibility for national portability.
  • Register voluntarily for ONORC.
  • Locate nearby Fair Price Shops using GPS.
  • Navigate to the nearest Fair Price Shop through maps.
• The application is particularly useful for migrant workers who need to locate ration shops and access their entitlements after moving to a new location.

Significance of One Nation One Ration Card

• ONORC strengthens food security by ensuring uninterrupted access to subsidized foodgrains, irrespective of beneficiaries’ place of residence.
• It is particularly beneficial for migrant workers and their families, who can access ration entitlements outside their home states.
• The scheme promotes inclusive and beneficiary-centric welfare delivery by making the Public Distribution System more accessible.
• Further, Aadhaar authentication, e-PoS devices and computerised supply chains improve transparency, reduce leakages and enhance accountability.
• Its nationwide implementation also strengthens cooperative federalism through coordination between the Centre and States/UTs.
• Overall, ONORC provides a foundation for making welfare benefits portable and accessible to people who frequently migrate across geographical boundaries.

Challenges associated with ONORC

• Despite its benefits, ONORC faces several implementation challenges.
• Aadhaar-based biometric authentication may lead to exclusion due to connectivity issues, biometric mismatches and technical failures.
• The digital divide and limited digital literacy can prevent beneficiaries from effectively accessing digital services.
• Differences in administrative capacity and PDS infrastructure across states may affect inter-state coordination.
• Lack of awareness among migrant workers about portability rights and grievance redressal mechanisms further limits access.
• Moreover, inadequate foodgrain stocks at Fair Price Shops can weaken last-mile delivery, while the incorrect deletion of beneficiary records may exclude eligible households from food security  benefits.

Way Forward and Conclusion

ONORC should be strengthened through offline authentication alternatives, better awareness among migrant workers and adequate foodgrain availability at Fair Price Shops. Effective grievance redressal, improved Centre-State coordination and regular social audits are essential to prevent exclusion and ensure accountability.

Overall, ONORC is an important step towards portable, inclusive and technology-driven food security. Strengthening its implementation will help ensure that no eligible beneficiary is denied food grain entitlements due to geographical or administrative barriers.

NITI Aayog Report On PLI Schemes And India’s Manufacturing Growth

Source: PIB
GS III: Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth

Why in the News?

NITI Aayog released its report titled ‘Impact Assessment of PLI Schemes’ on 12 November 2026, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad, as its knowledge partner.

News in Brief

• NITI Aayog assessed the performance of PLI Schemes across 14 sectors to examine their contribution to India’s manufacturing growth.
• Nearly 70% of the targeted segments are on track, with the scheme stimulating investment and production beyond targets.
• Pharmaceuticals, mobile manufacturing, food processing, telecom, white goods, automobiles and drones have demonstrated encouraging outcomes.
• The report highlights the need to improve domestic value addition, strengthen supply chains and increase MSME participation.

Objectives of the PLI Scheme

The PLI scheme is a flagship government initiative aimed at;

• Strengthening India’s domestic manufacturing capabilities.
• Improving the competitiveness of Indian industries.
• Integrating Indian firms into global value chains.
• Encouraging investment in advanced technologies and manufacturing capacity.
• Promoting exports, employment generation and the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Assessment Framework

• The report examines the performance of all 14 notified PLI sectors against four major parameters including investment generated, additional production, export performance and employment generation.
• The assessment is based on firm-level data collected through implementing Ministries, supplemented by industry-level inputs from authenticated sources.
• Sectoral performance has been classified into four categories;
  • On-Track: Sectors demonstrating satisfactory progress.
  • Partial Impact: Sectors showing some positive outcomes.
  • Insignificant Evidence of Impact: Sectors where the evidence of impact remains limited.
  • Data Unavailable: Sectors where sufficient information is not available for assessment.

Sector-wise Performance

• The report finds that sectors with strong industry participation have demonstrated encouraging outcomes under the scheme.
• Pharmaceuticals, Mobile Manufacturing under Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing (LSEM), Food Processing, Telecom, White Goods, Automobiles and Drones have shown notable progress in investment, production and capacity creation, with the Drones sector emerging as an early implementation success.
• Manufacturing capacity in High Efficiency Solar PV Modules has also expanded significantly, reflecting growing domestic capability and strengthening India’s renewable energy manufacturing ecosystem.
• The report further notes that sectors involving advanced and emerging technologies such as ACC Batteries, Specialty Steel and Technical Textiles are witnessing gradual capacity creation and ecosystem development, which are expected to contribute significantly to India’s long-term industrial growth trajectory.
• Across sectors, the scheme has played an important role in stimulating investment, enhancing manufacturing capacity and strengthening industrial competitiveness.

Overall Performance

• Nearly 70% of targeted segments are on track.
• The scheme has stimulated investment and production beyond targets.
• Several sectors have strengthened their manufacturing capacity and industrial competitiveness.
• The initiative is contributing to export expansion and India’s integration into global value chains.

Areas Requiring Attention

• Despite encouraging progress, the report identifies certain areas that require continued policy attention.
• Deeper MSME Participation: Greater involvement of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises is necessary to strengthen domestic manufacturing ecosystems.
• Domestic Value Addition: Increasing the domestic component of manufactured products is essential to reduce dependence on external supply chains.
• Supply Chain Development: Strengthening domestic supply chains can improve industrial resilience and competitiveness.
• Harmonised Data Systems: Better data collection and reporting mechanisms are necessary to assess the actual performance of different sectors.
• Ecosystem Development: Sustained investment in technology, infrastructure and supporting industries is important for long-term manufacturing growth.

Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme

• The Production Linked Incentive Scheme is a government initiative that provides incentives to eligible manufacturers based on their production performance.
• Major Objectives;
  • Boost domestic manufacturing and production capacity.
  • Attract domestic and foreign investment.
  • Reduce import dependence.
  • Promote exports and global competitiveness.
  • Encourage technological advancement.
  • Generate employment opportunities.

Significance for the Indian Economy

• The PLI Scheme contributes to India’s economic growth by strengthening domestic manufacturing and expanding production capacity, thereby building a stronger industrial base.
• It supports the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by promoting domestic capabilities and reducing dependence on imported products and components.
• By improving the competitiveness of Indian manufacturers, the scheme also facilitates India’s integration into global value chains and expands export opportunities.
• The growth of manufacturing activities can generate direct and indirect employment, while incentives encourage industries to adopt advanced technologies and improve production processes.
• Further, the scheme promotes economic diversification by supporting emerging sectors such as drones, advanced batteries and solar PV modules, strengthening India’s long-term industrial capabilities.

Challenges and Way Forward

• The long-term effectiveness of PLI Schemes will depend on strengthening domestic value addition and building resilient supply chains.
• Greater participation of MSMEs in manufacturing ecosystems is essential to broaden the benefits of the scheme and strengthen domestic industries.
• Developing reliable domestic supply chains for critical components can reduce import dependence and improve industrial resilience.
• Further, improving data collection and monitoring mechanisms will help assess sectoral performance and ensure better implementation.
• Encouraging technological development and innovation is equally important to enhance manufacturing competitiveness.
• The focus should also be on ensuring that incentives translate into sustainable manufacturing capabilities rather than short-term production expansion.
• Strengthening linkages between large industries and domestic suppliers can further deepen India’s manufacturing ecosystem.

Conclusion

The NITI Aayog assessment indicates that PLI Schemes have contributed to investment, production and manufacturing capacity across several sectors. However, their long-term success will depend on moving beyond production expansion towards deeper domestic value addition, stronger supply chains and greater MSME participation. This will be essential for building a resilient and globally competitive manufacturing ecosystem under the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.

Green Jobs In India And The Role Of Skill Development In Economic Growth

Source: Indian Express
GS III: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth development and employment

Why in the News?

The iFOREST assessment, India’s Green Jobs Moment, highlights the role of green employment in addressing job challenges and supporting India’s transition to a green economy.

News in Brief

• The World Bank reported that 496 million Indians moved out of poverty between 2011 and 2023.
• India’s transition towards a net-zero economy by 2070 is creating green employment opportunities in renewable energy, EVs, green hydrogen, recycling and nature-based solutions.
• The iFOREST assessment estimates that these sectors could generate over 1.3 crore jobs by 2035. Around 71% of thermal power roles and 90% of automobile roles have potential for transition through targeted training.
• Limited technical education and vocational training remain major barriers to building a skilled workforce for the green economy.

Green Jobs as Drivers of Inclusive Growth

• India’s poverty reduction has been accompanied by rising employment, stronger consumption and increasing participation of women in paid work.
• The next challenge is to sustain this progress by generating better-quality and secure employment.
• Green jobs can help bridge the gap between economic growth, employment generation and environmental sustanability.
• They can also provide livelihood opportunities to households that have recently moved out of poverty.

Emerging sectors for green employment

• India’s transition towards Viksit Bharat by 2047 and net-zero emissions by 2070 is creating employment opportunities across several sectors.
• Major areas include;
  • Renewable Energy: Solar and wind energy installation, maintenance and operations.
  • Energy Storage: Battery manufacturing, maintenance and recycling.
  • Electric Vehicles: EV manufacturing, charging infrastructure and repair services.
  • Green Hydrogen: Production, storage and transportation of green hydrogen.
  • Waste Management: Waste recovery, recycling and circular economy activities.
  • Nature-based Solutions: Agroforestry, mangrove restoration and ecosystem conservation.
• These activities can generate employment across both urban and rural areas.

Local Employment Opportunities

• Green employment is not limited to large industries or urban centres.
• Many opportunities are available in smaller towns and villages.
• Rooftop solar installation, EV repair, waste recovery and recycling can create local employment.
• Nature-based activities such as agroforestry and mangrove restoration can generate livelihood opportunities, particularly in rural areas.
• These jobs can improve household incomes and strengthen rural economic resilience.

Existing Workforce can Transition to Green Jobs

• India does not need to build an entirely new green workforce.
• Around 71% of assessed thermal power sector roles have high or medium transferability to renewable energy and green hydrogen.
• Nearly 90% of automobile sector roles can transition towards EV-related employment with targeted training.
• Many technicians can move into green occupations through short bridge courses rather than pursuing entirely new qualifications.
• This provides an opportunity to utilise existing industrial skills while reducing the cost and time required for workforce transition.

Skill Development Remains a Major Challenge

• Despite the growing demand for green jobs, India’s technical and vocational training ecosystem faces significant gaps.
  • Only 5.3% of young people have received technical education.
  • Only 5% have undergone formal vocational training.
  • Direct employment in key green sectors is projected to grow by about 4.5 lakh jobs annually.
  • Existing dedicated green programmes have trained around 81,000 people.
  • Around 43% of formally trained workers have completed courses lasting less than six months.
• While short-term training is useful for basic skills, advanced green occupations require deeper technical knowledge and specialised training.

Strengthening India’s Skill Development Infrastructure

• India already has an institutional foundation for developing a green workforce.
• India has over 15,000 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), with more than 26 lakh seats.
• The PM-SETU scheme aims to modernize 1,000 government ITIs.
• Green laboratories , trained instructors and industry-oriented training programmes are necessary to improve the quality of vocational education.
• Apprenticeships and longer-term specialized courses can help bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry requirements.
• The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship is revising the National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship to strengthen the country’s skill development framework.

Challenges in India’s Green Jobs Transition

• India faces challenges in expanding green employment.
• The skill gap and limited access to technical and vocational education restrict the availability of a trained workforce.
• Existing training programmes are often short-term and may not meet the specialized requirements of advanced green occupations.
• Regional inequalities in employment opportunities and training infrastructure further limit access to green jobs.
• The transition from coal and thermal power also raises concerns about employment security for existing workers, highlighting the need for a just transition.
• Additionally, ITIs require modern laboratories, updated curricula and stronger industry partnerships.
• A large number of workers in waste collection and recycling remain in the informal sector, often without stable incomes or adequate social security.

Way Forward and Conclusion

India should align vocational training with emerging green sectors, modernize ITIs and promote industry partnerships to build a skilled workforce. Bridge courses can help existing workers transition into green occupations, while rural employment can be promoted through renewable energy, agroforestry and waste management.

A just transition framework should ensure reskilling, alternative livelihoods and social security for affected and informal workers. Strengthening these measures can make green jobs a driver of inclusive growth and sustainable development, supporting India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

India’s Carbon Emissions Rise Despite Global Decline In 2026

Source: Indian Express
GS III: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment 

Why in the News?

The Global Carbon Budget study projects a 0.4% decline in global fossil fuel emissions in 2026, while India’s emissions are expected to rise by 4.4%, highlighting the challenge of balancing economic growth with climate commitments.

News in Brief

• Global fossil fuel CO₂ emissions are projected to decline by 0.4% in 2026, while India’s emissions are expected to rise by 4.4%.
• Expansion of solar and wind energy, along with the West Asian energy crisis, has contributed to the projected global decline.
• India’s road transport emissions are expected to grow faster than the past decade’s average annual increase of 3.5%, driven by rising fuel consumption.
• Higher temperatures, deficient rainfall and El Nino-influenced conditions have increased electricity demand and coal consumption, while industrial CO₂ emissions rose by 3.7% in the first half of 2026, mainly due to steel and cement production.

Global Carbon Emissions: A Marginal Decline

According to the Global Carbon Budget study;

• Global fossil fuel CO2 emissions are projected to decline by 0.4% in 2026 compared to 2025.
• China, the United States, the European Union and Japan are expected to record declines in emissions.
• In contrast, India is projected to register  a 4.4% increase in fossil fuel emissions.

Reasons for the global decline;

• Expansion of renewable energy, particularly solar and wind power.
• Changes in energy consumption following the energy shock triggered by the West Asian conflict.
• Temporary reductions in fossil fuel use due to geopolitical tensions and economic disruptions.
• However, the study cautions that the decline may represent a short-term adjustment rather than a permanent structural shift away from fossil fuels.

Rising Emissions from India’s Road Transport Sector

• India’s accounts for approximately 8% of global emissions.
• Road transport emissions are projected to grow faster in 2026 than their average annual increase of 3.5% over the past decade.
• A relatively wet pre-monsoon period in 2025 reduced cooling demand, resulting in comparatively lower emissions.
• In 2026, higher temperatures and a drier monsoon increased cooling requirements and electricity consumption.
• Government data on petroleum consumption also indicate rising demand for transport fuels.
  • Petroleum consumption increased from 34.85% million tonnes to 37.15% million tonnes.
  • Diesel consumption increased from 76.46% million tonnes to 80.86% million tonnes.
• This indicates that declining overall petroleum consumption does not necessarily translate into lower emissions from the transport sector.

Unusual Summer Surge in Electricity Demand

India witnessed an unusual increase in electricity demand during the summer of 2026.

Major reasons:

• Persistently high temperatures increased the demand for air conditioning and cooling.
• Deficient rainfall contributed to higher temperatures.
• El Nino influenced weather conditions added to the pressure on electricity demand.

Impact on power generation:

• Greater electricity demand increased reliance on coal-based power generation.
• Coal-based power generation increased by approximately 13.2% to 846,229.29 million units (MU) between April 1 and November 10, 2026, compared with the corresponding period in 2025.
• The increased use of coal contributed to India’s rising carbon emissions.

India’s Industrial Emissions

An analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CERA) highlights the growing contribution of industrial activities to India’s carbon emissions.

Key findings:

• India’s CO₂ emissions increased by 3.7% year-on-year in the first half of 2026.
• The increase was primarily driven by higher emissions from steel, cement and other industrial sectors.
• CO₂ emissions from the power sector remained largely unchanged for two years until June 2026.
• However, emissions from oil and gas increased by 7% year-on-year despite higher demand for diesel and petrol.

Emerging concern:

• India electricity demand growth was met entirely through clean energy for the two years up to June 2026.
• This helped halt the rise in coal-based power generation for the first time in nearly half a century.
• However, the challenge is gradually shifting towards the industrial sector.
• Industries such as steel and cement continue to depend heavily on coal and other fossil fuels.
• Unless these sectors adopt cleaner technologies and electrify their operations, rising industrial output could push India’s total emissions upwards even if emissions from the power sector stailize.

Challenges for India

• India faces several challenges in reducing carbon emissions.
• Coal dependence remains high, particularly during peak electricity demand, while steel, cement and other energy-intensive industries require significant investment to adopt cleaner technologies.
• Rising transport emissions, driven by increasing vehicle ownership, urbanization and dependence on petrol and diesel, add to the burden.
• Further, heatwaves and rising temperatures increase electricity demand for cooling, often leading to greater coal consumption.
• The intermittent nature of solar and wind energy, coupled with inadequate storage infrastructure, also creates challenges in ensuring reliable power supply.
• At the same time, India’s growing developmental needs require affordable and uninterrupted energy, making the transition away from fossil fuels complex.

Way Forward and Conclusion

India must accelerate renewable energy adoption, invest in energy storage, promote green hydrogen and cleaner industrial technologies and encourage electric vehicles and public transport. Energy-efficient buildings, climate-resilient urban planning and better carbon monitoring are also essential.

The rise in India’s emissions highlights the challenge of balancing economic growth with climate commitments. A comprehensive shift towards  clean energy, sustainable transport and industrial decarbonization is crucial for achieving a low-carbon economy while ensuring energy security.

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