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Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 02 January 2025

Content: School dropout rates go from bad to worse in Bihar and Assam. The race for fighters: the IAF’s dilemma. Scorpene-class submarine among 3 frontline platforms to be inducted by Navy on Jan. 15. Report FCRA violations by NGOs, govt. asks CAs. Centre, States roped in 54,800 to monitor online content: report. SpaDeX first of many as ISRO prepares for Chandrayaan-4. Four UN environmental summits fell short in 2024. What happened? School Dropout Rates: A Growing Concern in Bihar and Assam Context: Dropout Rates and Educational Continuity in India Relevance: GS Paper 2 (Education) National Improvement Share of students continuing education into higher grades improved in 2024 compared to 2019. Girls: 80% completed secondary education in 2024 (up from 73.5% in 2019). Boys: 77.2% completed secondary education in 2024 (up from 72.4% in 2019). States with Declining Performance Karnataka: Girls: 76.5% (2024) vs. 79.3% (2019) Boys: 70.7% (2024) vs. 73.6% (2019) Bihar: Girls: 40.3% (2024) vs. 51.6% (2019) Boys: 38.8% (2024) vs. 51.2% (2019) Assam and Rajasthan: High dropout rates worsened further. States with Strong Improvement Kerala: Boys: 95.7% (2024) vs. 88.3% (2019) Girls: 97.5% (2024) vs. 93.2% (2019) Tamil Nadu: Boys: 89.2% (2024) vs. 81.3% (2019) Girls: 95.6% (2024) vs. 89.4% (2019) Rankings and Stagnation Uttarakhand: Steep improvement in rankings for secondary education (11th to 4th for girls). Maharashtra: Moderate improvement (12th to 7th for girls). Gujarat: Remained stagnant at the bottom of the rankings. Haryana: Declined significantly, falling out of the top 10 rankings across school levels. Implications Positive Impact: Overall improvement in educational continuity across India, especially for girls. Concerns: The decline in performance in key states like Karnataka, Bihar, and Assam highlights the need for targeted interventions. Regional Disparities: States like Kerala and Tamil Nadu show exemplary progress, setting benchmarks for other regions. Conclusion While national averages indicate progress, significant disparities at the state level underline the necessity for region-specific strategies to ensure equitable educational opportunities for all. The Race for Fighters: The IAF’s Dilemma Context: China’s rapid technological and military advancements, including stealth fighters and naval capabilities, highlight its growing dominance in the Indo-Pacific. Relevance: GS Paper 2 (International Relations) China’s Technological Advancements High-Tech Developments: Unveiled two stealth fighter jets, a supersonic civil jet prototype, an amphibious naval ship, a global deep-sea research vessel, and the world’s fastest bullet train. Military Aviation Supremacy: PLAAF fields two fifth-generation jets (J-20 and J-35). Emerging sixth-generation prototypes (delta-wing and twin-engine designs). Rapid progress in aviation technology, approaching U.S. standards. Largest aviation force in the Indo-Pacific with over 1,300 fourth-generation fighters. Global Impact: Pakistan plans to acquire 40 J-35 jets, strengthening its military capabilities. India’s Challenges and Plans Fighter Squadron Deficit Current strength: 31 squadrons (against the sanctioned 42). Delays in fifth-generation aircraft induction. Extended use of ageing MIG-21 squadrons due to delays in LCA-Mk1A deliveries. Indigenous Development Plans to acquire 500+ fighters, primarily domestically manufactured. Key projects: LCA variants (Mk1A and Mk2). Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TED-BF) for the Navy. LCA-Mk1A delivery delayed due to engine supply issues from GE. Procurement Delays Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA): Stalled since 2019, unlikely to deliver significant numbers before the mid-2030s. Upgrade of existing Sukhoi Su-30MKIs in final approval stages. Aero-Engine Dependency Reliance on imported engines (e.g., GE-404, F-414, and French engines). Indigenous aero-engine development remains a critical gap. Comparative Analysis China: Rapid advancements in aviation and naval capabilities. Fielding multiple fifth-generation fighters, with prototypes of advanced jets. India: Focused on indigenous production but hampered by delays and dependence on foreign technology. Urgent need to modernize and bridge the gap with regional powers. Implications Strategic Disparities: China’s rapid progress highlights a widening gap in military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific. Urgency for India: Accelerating timelines for domestic projects and reducing reliance on foreign technology are critical for India’s defence readiness. Global Dynamics: China’s technological strides bolster its influence in the region, impacting India’s strategic interests. Conclusion India’s ambitious plans for indigenous fighter production and modernization are essential but face significant delays. Meanwhile, China’s technological advances emphasize the need for India to fast-track its defence projects and achieve self-reliance, especially in aero-engine development. Scorpene-Class Submarine Among 3 Frontline Platforms to be Inducted by Navy on Jan 15 Context: The Indian Navy will commission three major platforms—INS Vagsheer (submarine), INS Surat (stealth destroyer), and INS Nilgiri (stealth frigate)—on January 15, 2024. Relevance: GS Paper 3 (Security) Commissioning of Advanced Platforms Submarine: INS Vagsheer, the sixth and final Scorpene-class submarine. Destroyer: INS Surat, the fourth and last Project-15B stealth destroyer. Frigate: INS Nilgiri, the lead ship of Project-17A stealth frigates. Indigenous Manufacturing All platforms were manufactured at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDL), Mumbai. Ships were indigenously designed by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau. Scorpene-class submarines were built under license from France’s Naval Group. Technological Advancements Stealth Features: Reduced radar signatures through state-of-the-art technology. Advanced Weaponry and Sensors: Developed domestically or in collaboration with global manufacturers. Modern Aviation Facilities: Capable of operating various helicopters, including MH-60R and Dhruv. Operational Readiness Rigorous trials conducted for machinery, fire-fighting, hull integrity, navigation, and communication systems. Fully operational and ready for immediate deployment. Strategic Importance Enhances India’s naval combat capabilities and supports maritime security in the Indo-Pacific. Marks a significant milestone in India’s indigenous shipbuilding and defense manufacturing capabilities. Focus on Gender Inclusion Dedicated accommodations for women officers and sailors, reflecting the Navy’s commitment to progressive roles for women in frontline combat. Conclusion The commissioning of these platforms underscores India’s growing self-reliance in defense manufacturing and its strategic focus on strengthening maritime security. It also highlights technological advancements and inclusivity within the Navy. Report FCRA Violations by NGOs, Govt. Asks CAs Context: The Union Home Ministry’s new notification requires chartered accountants to certify if NGOs have violated the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) when filing audit returns. Relevance: GS Paper 2 (Governance) Highlights New Requirements for Chartered Accountants (CAs) CAs filing audit returns on behalf of NGOs must specify if the NGO has violated provisions of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010. They must also provide the NGO’s name, email address, and registration number in the audit certificate. Audit Certificate Details Auditors must verify if the NGO has used foreign contributions for the intended purposes and mention if any violations of FCRA or related rules have occurred. The certificate must include a statement certifying whether the NGO has violated any provisions of the FCRA, or specify that there have been no violations. Impact on NGOs The new requirement increases accountability but also presents challenges for NGOs, particularly those critical of the government. Voluntary groups express concerns that the notification may make it harder for such NGOs to find willing auditors. Background Context This move follows earlier guidance in 2021, where the Ministry emphasized ensuring that foreign funds are received and used legally by NGOs. The changes amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Rules, 2011, aimed at strengthening the regulation of foreign donations to NGOs. Conclusion The Ministry’s notification increases scrutiny of NGOs’ use of foreign contributions, adding new compliance obligations for auditors. However, it has sparked concerns about potential challenges for NGOs critical of the government in securing auditors for their returns. Centre, States Roped in 54,800 to Monitor Online Content Context: The Ministry of Home Affairs and various State governments have enlisted 54,800 cyber volunteers to monitor and flag unlawful online content under an initiative to combat cybercrime. Relevance:GS 3 (Internal Security) Launch and Objective: The initiative is part of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) launched in 2020. Encourages citizens to: Report illegal content. Promote cyber hygiene. Assist law enforcement as experts. Volunteer Statistics: Total: 54,833 cyber volunteers categorized as: 22,942 for reporting unlawful content. 22,071 for raising awareness. 9,819 as cybercrime experts. Focus areas include national security, sovereignty, defense, and public order. Volunteer Actions: Registered volunteers report flagged content through the official portal. Address critical incidents like cyberattacks on government sites, e.g., during the G-20 summit. Criticism: Organizations like the InternetFreedomFoundation warn of potential risks: Fostering a “culture of surveillance”. Eroding social trust. SpaDeX first of many as ISRO prepares for Chandrayaan-4 Context: ISRO is gearing up for the Chandrayaan-4 mission, aiming to bring lunar soil samples back to Earth. The mission involves preparatory space-docking experiments. Relevance: GS 3 (ISRO) C60 Mission and SpaDeX: The C60 mission, launched by PSLV, placed two 220kg satellites into orbit. These satellites will perform the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX), ISRO’s first docking experiment. The experiment involves: Gradually increasing the distance between the satellites. Executing the rendezvous and docking process, starting around January 7. Chandrayaan-4 Mission: Will utilize two LVM-3 rockets. The mission modules will perform multiple docking and undocking maneuvers to return lunar soil to Earth safely. Future Space Plans: ISRO Chairman S. Somanath emphasized 2025 as a key year with several planned launches using GSLV and SSLV rockets. Docking technology is crucial for: Chandrayaan-4. Establishing the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) by 2035. Sending an Indian astronaut to the moon. Significance of Docking Technology: Essential for sustaining a space presence, as future missions like BAS require module docking. The SpaDeX satellites, orbiting 475 km above Earth at 28,000 km/h, require precise speed matching for docking success. Four UN Environmental Summits Fell Short in 2024 – What Happened? Context: In 2023, four key UN summits on biodiversity, climate change, land degradation, and plastic pollution failed to achieve meaningful outcomes, posing a setback to global environmental initiatives. Relevance: GS 3 (Environment) Divergent National Interests: Developing nations: Demanded greater financial aid and technological transfers. Developed nations: Cited domestic economic challenges, causing a stalemate in negotiations. Lack of Consensus: Disagreements on: Climate finance mechanisms. Transitioning away from fossil fuels. Plastic pollution management. Prevented major agreements, undermining global cooperation. Global Crises Distract Action: Crises such as COVID-19, economic instability, and geopolitical tensions diverted attention and resources. Weakened commitments to long-term sustainability goals. Fragmented Efforts and Trust Issues: Summit failures risk fragmented regional initiatives lacking global coordination. Trust erosion among nations has hindered collaborative progress. Rebuilding Momentum: Proposed strategies for future progress: Honoring climate finance commitments. Ensuring transparency in agreements. Inclusive diplomacy with a focus on measurable outcomes. Need for Collective Global Action: Addressing interconnected crises requires urgent, united global efforts. Emphasizing collective action is essential to prevent irreversible ecosystem damage and safeguard vulnerable communities.

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 31 December 2024

Content: CPGRAMS: 3 Years, 70 Lakh Grievances Solved Fabrication of lysozyme bilayers in presence of ions can mimic biological protein absortion on inserted implants CPGRAMS: 3 Years, 70 Lakh Grievances Solved Context: The Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS), developed by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), is an online platform aimed at efficient grievance redressal. Relevance : GS 2 ( Governance) Major Achievements (2022-2024): Grievances Resolved: Over 70 lakh grievances addressed effectively. Coverage: 92 Central Ministries/Departments & 36 States/UTs. 96,295 organizations mapped with 73,000+ active users. Timeline Reduced: Grievance redressal timeline reduced from 30 to 21 days. Milestones: December 2024: Fourth Sushasan Saptah resolved 3.44 lakh grievances through CPGRAMS and 14.84 lakh grievances on state portals. Reforms & Innovations: Policy Guidelines 2024: Transparency, efficiency, and accountability emphasized through a 10-step reform process. Key Features: Grievance Cells & Nodal Officers in each Ministry/Department. Feedback Mechanism: Poor feedback triggers an appeal option. Grievance Redressal Index: Monthly rankings for performance tracking. AI-Powered Tools: Tree Dashboard analyzes grievances & feedback. NextGen CPGRAMS (Launching July 2025): Filing via WhatsApp/Chatbot. Features like voice-to-text, instant alerts, and auto-escalation. Machine learning-enabled auto-replies for officers. Global Recognition: Highlighted at the Third Pan-Commonwealth Heads of Public Service Meeting (April 2024) as a model for effective governance. Case Study: Swift grievance redressal like reinstating a delayed electricity connection showcases the platform’s citizen-centric impact. Fabrication of Lysozyme Bilayers In Presence of Ions Can Mimic Biological Protein Absortion on Inserted Implants Context: A research group at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati has developed stabilized lysozyme bilayers on silicon surfaces to mimic ion-mediated protein adsorption in living organisms. This innovation has significant implications for enhancing the functionality of implants and biomaterials. Relevance : GS 3 ( Science and Technology ) Features of the Research: Lysozyme as a Model Protein: Found in tears, sweat, milk, and saliva. Contains four disulfide bonds essential for biological processes. Ion-Mediated Adsorption: Experiment conducted on hydrophilic and hydrophobic silicon surfaces. Stabilization achieved in the presence of ions: Monovalent (Na⁺) Divalent (Ca²⁺) Trivalent (Y³⁺) Protein Orientation: Bottom layer: Lysozyme in side-on orientation. Upper layer: Molecules in side-on or tilted orientation. Stabilization Mechanism: Driven by hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic, and electrostatic interactions. Competing interactions result in: Native globular form on hydrophilic surfaces. Elongated structure on hydrophobic surfaces. Significance of the Research: Biomedical Applications: Mimics real biological processes for implants. Enhances ion-mediated protein-surface interactions for biomaterials. Surface Properties: Increased lysozyme adsorption leads to higher contact angles, improving implant compatibility. Room Temperature Fabrication: Simplifies the process for practical applications. Publication: Published in the New Journal of Chemistry (Royal Society of Chemistry).

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 31 December 2024

Content: The Sheikh Hasina extradition demand, India’s options States and the danger of poorly manufactured drugs Currency concerns UPI duopoly’s rise and market vulnerabilities  The Sheikh Hasina Extradition Demand, India’s Options Context Sheikh Hasina, ousted former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, fled to New Delhi in August 2024 amid anti-government protests. On December 23, 2024, Bangladesh formally requested India to extradite her for judicial proceedings. She faces charges of genocide, crimes against humanity, and state-sponsored violence against protesters during her regime. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) Practice Question : Sheikh Hasina’s extradition demand by Bangladesh has raised several legal and diplomatic issues for India. Discuss India’s legal obligations in this case, the challenges involved, and the implications for India-Bangladesh relations.(250 Words) Legal Frameworks and Challenges Bangladesh’s Legal Position Arrest warrants issued by the International Crimes Tribunal on October 17, 2024. Section 339B of the Bangladeshi Code of Criminal Procedure allows trial in absentia. International Criminal Court (ICC) precedent for in absentia hearings (e.g., Joseph Kony case). India’s Legal Obligations India and Bangladesh share a 2013 bilateral extradition treaty. India’s Extradition Act, 1962 governs extradition requests. Customary International Law Principle: Aut dedere aut judicare (extradite or prosecute). India’s Defenses Political Offense Exception Extradition can be denied if the accused is charged with political offenses. However, crimes like genocide and torture do not qualify as political offenses. Non-Inquiry Rule in Common Law Traditionally, extradition is an executivedecision, but this practice has limited contemporary support. Articles 20 and 21 of the Indian Constitution protect Hasina’s human rights, even as a non-citizen. Proposed Solutions for India Conditional Cooperation Allow Sheikh Hasina to remain under house arrest in India. Facilitate her trial via video conferencing with legal representation in Bangladesh. Ensure access for Bangladeshi investigators while safeguarding her human rights. Judicial Oversight India’s judiciary may oppose extradition citing risks of torture or unfair trial in Bangladesh. Past judgments (e.g., NHRC vs. State of Arunachal Pradesh, 1996) support non-citizen protection. International Dimensions Role of the ICC Bangladesh is a party to the Rome Statute, enabling ICC jurisdiction. ICC can intervene if domestic trials lack impartiality, per Articles 17 and 53. Hasina’s rights under Article 14 of the ICCPR and Article 21(3) of the Rome Statute must be ensured. Complementarity Principle ICC acts as a court of last resort, intervening only if national proceedings fail to deliver justice. Broader Implications for India-Bangladesh Relations Diplomatic Sensitivities India must balance its support for democraticprocesses in Bangladesh with bilateral ties. Ensuring a fair trial for Hasina aligns with international human rights standards. Geopolitical Considerations Any perceived interference in Bangladesh’s judiciary could impact India’s regional standing. Collaboration could strengthen India’s image as a responsible global actor. States and The Danger of Poorly Manufactured Drugs Context: The recent deaths of five young mothers in Ballari, Karnataka, due to contaminated drugs highlight systemic issues in India’s drug regulatory framework. This incident underscores the challenges posed by poorly manufactured drugs from other states flooding local markets. Relevance : GS 2(Health) Practice Question : What are the key challenges in India’s drug regulatory framework, and how can inter-state coordination be improved to ensure drug safety?(250 Words ) Issues Involved: Fragmented Regulatory Framework: The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, assigns responsibility for licensing and inspecting manufacturing units to the state where the pharmaceutical company operates. States receiving drugs from other states lack regulatory authority to act against non-standard quality (NSQ) drugs unless criminal prosecution is initiated. Data on Substandard Drugs: Of 894 drug samples tested in Karnataka over three years, 601 NSQ samples originated from manufacturers outside the state. Enforcement measures are slow, as criminal prosecutions often take years. Lack of Information Sharing: No centralised database exists to track inspection reports, licensing information, or NSQ test results from across the country. Procurement agencies rely on the self-disclosures of pharmaceutical companies, often with no means of independent verification. Challenges in Enforcement: Only inspectors in the home state of the manufacturing unit can suspend or cancel a manufacturing license. Public procurement agencies face difficulties in screening and avoiding NSQ drugs. Proposed Solutions: Centralised Information Sharing: Unified Database for Drug Test Results: Include all central and state drug testing lab results. Facilitate risk-based enforcement decisions and improve procurement standards. Inspection and Licensing Records: Establish a shared platform for inspection reports and licensing details of all pharmaceutical companies across states. Procurement agencies can prioritize sourcing from states with rigorous regulatory practices. Blacklist Registry for Manufacturers: A centralised register of pharmaceutical manufacturers blacklisted for supplying NSQ drugs. Ensure procurement agencies can verify claims independently before awarding tenders. Empowering State Authorities: Amend the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 to: Grant state drug controllers authority to block the sale of drugs from external manufacturers under investigation for adverse events. Permit states to take immediate preventive action to safeguard public health. Legislative Reforms at the Central Level: The Union Ministry of Health must lead reform efforts to modernize and harmonize drug regulation across states. Address inter-state gaps in enforcement, inspection, and data sharing. Currency Concerns Context: The Indian rupee has faced significant pressure in recent times, hitting an all-time low of 85 against the U.S. dollar on December 19, and approaching the 86-mark shortly thereafter. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has intervened to stabilize the currency, but a mix of domestic and global factors has compounded the rupee’s challenges. Relevance : GS 3(Indian Economy ) Practice Question: Examine the factors behind the recent depreciation of the Indian rupee. Discuss its implications on India’s trade, inflation, and investment, and suggest measures to mitigate the impact.(250 Words) Factors Affecting the Rupee: Foreign Portfolio Investment Outflows: Sustained outflows of foreign portfolio investments (FPIs) have been a key driver of the rupee’s depreciation. The peak of key stock market indices in late September, coupled with weak corporate performance during the July-September quarter, has led to a shift in investment portfolios from emerging markets, including India. Global Factors: U.S. Dollar Strengthening: The rise in the U.S. dollar, especially after Donald Trump’s election, has added pressure on emerging market currencies, including the rupee. Trump’s protectionist policies, such as the proposed tariffs on BRICS nations, have rattled investor confidence. China’s Economic Stimulus: China’s efforts to boost its economy have led to portfolio reallocation from India to China, further weakening the rupee. India’s Trade Imbalance: Trade Deficits: India’s goods trade is facing record deficits, contributing to an increased current account deficit (CAD), which is expected to double to about 2.4% of GDP in the current quarter. Import Bills: Rising import bills, especially for inelastic items like crude petroleum and edible oil, are putting additional strain on the rupee. Services Trade Surplus: While India continues to benefit from a surplus in services trade, the uncertainty surrounding the H-1B visa regime, especially in light of U.S. immigration policies under Trump, could dampen future gains. RBI’s Intervention Limitations: While the RBI has been actively intervening in the foreign exchange market to control the rupee’s fall, there is a limit to the extent it can deplete foreign exchange reserves. The government’s recent acknowledgment that exchange rate fluctuations impact monetary policy flexibility further complicates the situation. Implications for India: Imported Inflation: A depreciating rupee increases the cost of imports, particularly for essential commodities like crude oil and edible oil. This imported inflation can affect domestic consumers and businesses, especially those reliant on these imports. Exporters’ Benefits: While a weaker rupee may benefit exporters by making Indian goods and services cheaper for foreign buyers, the overall impact of the rupee’s fall could still be negative due to rising import costs and inflationary pressures. Uncertainty in Foreign Investment Flows: Foreign investment flows remain uncertain, especially with the U.S. monetary policy outlook for 2025. If the U.S. Federal Reserve raises interest rates, it could lead to further capital outflows from emerging markets, exacerbating the pressure on the rupee. Domestic Economic Drivers: India’s internal economic challenges, such as faltering consumption and weak investment sentiment, are exacerbating the impact of the rupee’s fall. These factors hinder the country’s overall economic growth prospects. Policy Recommendations and Strategic Approaches: Strengthen External Resilience: Policymakers must focus on strengthening the country’s external resilience, ensuring that the current account deficit remains manageable. This includes improving export competitiveness, diversifying trade partners, and reducing dependence on imports of inelastic goods. Monetary and Fiscal Coordination: To effectively manage the rupee’s volatility, the central bank and finance ministry need to coordinate their policies, balancing exchange rate management with broader macroeconomic stability. Reassurance on Trade Policies: Given the uncertainties related to U.S. policies, particularly the H-1B visa and trade tariffs, the Indian government should reassure both domestic and international stakeholders regarding its commitment to maintaining an open and competitive trade environment. Diversify Investment Sources: To mitigate the impact of foreign portfolio outflows, India should focus on increasing domestic investment and attracting more foreign direct investment (FDI), which is less volatile than portfolio investments. UPI Duopoly’s Rise And Market Vulnerabilities Context: Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has experienced rapid adoption in India, becoming a cornerstone of digital payments. However, as UPI grows, there are significant concerns regarding market concentration and the emergence of a duopoly dominated by two foreign-owned Third Party App Providers (TPAPs) — PhonePe and Google Pay. Together, they control over 85% of the UPI market, raising critical issues regarding market risks, innovation, and competition. Relevance : GS 3(Indian Economy) Practice Question: Critically analyze the implications of market concentration in India’s UPI ecosystem. Suggest measures to address systemic vulnerabilities, promote competition, and safeguard data sovereignty in digital payment systems.(250 Words) Risks in the UPI Ecosystem: Systemic Vulnerability: The market concentration in UPI’s payment infrastructure creates significant single points of failure. With PhonePe and Google Pay handling the bulk of transactions, any disruption in their services could have a cascading impact across the entire payments network, compromising the resilience and reliability of the system. To prevent this, the UPI ecosystem must build failsafes and backup systems that ensure uninterrupted service, safeguarding public trust in the payment infrastructure. Decreased Competition and Innovation: The dominance of these two TPAPs has led to high barriers to entry for smaller competitors. With a zero-charge model for consumers, players in the UPI ecosystem compete primarily on user scale. Once a platform reaches critical mass, it can leverage its user base for cross-selling financial products rather than focusing on innovative solutions. Market consolidation reduces the incentive to invest in new technologies or service offerings, ultimately stifling competition and innovation in the payments sector. Foreign Dominance and Data Concerns: Both PhonePe (owned by Walmart) and Google Pay (owned by Google) are foreign-owned, raising concerns about foreign control over critical national infrastructure. The dominance of foreign players presents risks, particularly around data privacy, sensitive information access, and potential geopolitical implications related to data handling. While foreign participation is not inherently problematic, a more level playing field for Indian-owned TPAPs could mitigate risks related to data sovereignty and national security. Regulatory Challenges and Delays: National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) Directive: In 2020, NPCI introduced a market share cap to prevent the two dominant players from monopolizing the market. The limit was set at 30% market share per TPAP, with a deadline for implementation. However, the deadline has been extended multiple times, allowing PhonePe and Google Pay to consolidate their dominance. As of August 2024, PhonePe holds 48.36% and Google Pay 37.3% of the market, far exceeding the initial cap. Potential Increase in Market Share Cap: There are discussions within the NPCI to increase the market share cap from 30% to 40%, which could further entrench the dominance of the leading players. This extension of the cap, while addressing short-term concerns, might inadvertently prevent smaller Indian developers from competing and innovating, thereby stalling the broader UPI ecosystem’s growth. Policy Recommendations: Enforce Market Share Caps: To reduce systemic risks and encourage healthy competition, the NPCI must enforce the market share cap without further delays. Strict compliance with the cap will allow smaller players to carve out a niche in the market and drive innovation in service offerings. Encourage Indian-Owned TPAPs: India should prioritize the development of domestic TPAPs, ensuring that Indian players have the necessary resources and incentives to compete at scale. This could include measures such as financial support, regulatory incentives, and technology partnerships to level the playing field and reduce the risk of foreign dominance. Safeguard Data Sovereignty: The government and regulators must ensure that data protection policies are robust, especially with regard to foreign-owned platforms. This could involve stronger regulations around data storage, processing, and cross-border data flows to safeguard Indian users’ personal and financial information. Promote Innovation in UPI: To make UPI more inclusive, the ecosystem should prioritize innovations that cater to underserved segments, such as rural populations and small businesses. This could include simpler user interfaces, local language support, and innovative payment solutions to drive adoption across India.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 31 December 2024

Content: ISRO’s docking mission on; spacecraft reach right orbit. Private Members’ Bills get short shrift in both Houses of Parliament. Women electors turned out more than men in LS polls. On India’s obligations towards the Rohingya. Demographic data to stop influx from Myanmar’. Behaviour that causes mental pain to spouse ground for divorce: SC Financial system stable on healthy balance sheets: RBI. Grave new world: human-induced loss of elders threatens various species. NASA probe flies closer to the sun than any spacecraft.  ISRO’s Docking Mission On; Spacecraft Reach Right Orbit Context :The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission on Monday. Relevance : GS 3 (Space) Mission Details: Launched on Monday by the PSLV C60 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. Carried two satellites: SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), each weighing 220 kg, along with 24 payloads. Satellites deployed into a 475-km circular orbit around 10 p.m. Operational Progress: Successful deployment of spacecraft solar panels. Satellites are maneuvering into position, with a distance increase of 20 km over the next few days. The docking process is expected to begin by January 7. Technological Significance: Aims to showcase technologies for rendezvous, docking, and undocking—achievements mastered by only a few advanced spacefaring nations. Technologies critical for manned moon missions, sample returns, and building space stations. Strategic Goals: Enhances India’s capability for future space missions, including sending an Indian astronaut to the moon and creating an Indian space station. ISRO’s Achievement: Further establishes ISRO as a leader in advancing cutting-edge space technology. Private Members’ Bills get short shrift in both Houses of Parliament Context : An analysis by PRS Legislative Research highlights minimal time spent on the private bills in the 17th and early 18th Lok Sabha sessions, reflecting an overall lack of engagement with this parliamentary instrument. Relevance: GS 2 (Polity & Governance) Time Spent on Private Members’ Bills (2019–2024): 17th Lok Sabha: 9.08 hours spent in the Lok Sabha. 27.01 hours spent in the Rajya Sabha. Decline in the 18th Lok Sabha: Two Sessions: 0.15 hours spent on Bills in the Lok Sabha. 0.62 hours in the Rajya Sabha. Significance of Private Members’ Bills and Resolutions: Provide a platform for individual MPs to propose legislation and express views independently. Used for political messaging (e.g., the 1966 Bill proposing eligibility criteria for the Prime Minister’s post). Historical impact: Only 14 Private Members’ Bills have been passed since independence, with none since 1970. Reasons for Decline: Lack of seriousness: MPs often fail to attend sessions where their Bills are listed. All-round indifference: Highlighted by Jairam Ramesh, Chief Whip of the Congress in the Rajya Sabha. Implications: Reflects a weakening of parliamentary tools designed  for individual expression. Represents a missed opportunity for political and legislative innovation. Women Electors Turned Out More Than Men in LS Polls Context: The Election Commission’s data on the 2024 Lok Sabha elections reveals significant trends in voter turnout, particularly a growing gender gap favoring female voters in certain states. Relevance: GS 2 (Governance),GS 1 (Migration) Female Turnout Surpasses Male Turnout: The gender gap in turnout has widened in favor of women from 0.16 points in 2019 to 0.23 points in 2024. In 15 out of 28 major states and UTs, female turnout was higher than male turnout. State-wise Gender Patterns: Higher Female Turnout: Notable in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, and West Bengal. Bihar stands out with the most significant gender gap despite low overall turnout. Higher Male Turnout: Observed in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, and states like Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. Electorate Composition and Turnout Ratios: States like Bihar had a higher female voter turnout in absolute numbers despite having more registered male electors. In Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh, both the electorate and turnout favored women. Conversely, states like Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh saw more men registered and turning out to vote. Impact of Migration: Male-dominated migration from states like Bihar and Jharkhand could explain the higher female turnout. Many male workers were unable to return to their home states to vote due to migration for work. Migration patterns from Bihar dominate the list of sources and destinations for migrant workers in 2023, with many traveling to non-neighboring states. Political and Structural Factors: Political engagement and mobilization efforts targeting women may contribute to higher female turnout. Structural factors like male out-migration significantly influence turnout dynamics in states like Bihar and Jharkhand. Implications for Policy and Research: Understanding these trends requires further analysis of migration data and its effect on voter turnout. Strategies to enhance voter participation among migrants and address gender-based turnout gaps may be essential for future elections. On India’s Obligations towards the Rohingya Context: The plight of Rohingya refugees in India highlights gross violations of constitutional and human rights, as detailed in a recent study by The Azadi Project and Refugees International. Relevance: GS 1 (Society), GS 2 (Social Justice) History: Rohingya refugees, a stateless population from Myanmar, face persecution and are detained under India’s domestic laws despite international principles such as non-refoulement.  The lack of a standardised refugee policy, inconsistent treatment, and poor living conditions compound their struggles. International Protections for Rohingya Refugees: Non-refoulement: Prohibits deporting individuals to countries where they may face harm; recognized under the 1951 Refugee Convention, customary law, and ICCPR. India, though not a signatory to the Refugee Convention, is bound by some international obligations, including the ICCPR. India’s Legal Position: Rohingya are classified as “illegal migrants” under the Foreigners Act, 1946, and Passport Act, 1967. The Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 excludes Rohingya Muslims from citizenship pathways. Judicial Stance: Courts have recognized non-refoulement under Article 21 (e.g., Gujarat and Delhi High Courts). The Supreme Court has allowed deportations, citing national security (Mohammad Salimullah v. Union of India). Living Conditions and Challenges: Detention centres, such as Assam’s Matia Camp, have inhumane conditions. NGOs face funding restrictions under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, limiting legal and humanitarian aid. Policy Gaps: India lacks a uniform refugee policy, leading to inconsistent treatment of refugees. Geopolitical interests dictate preferential treatment for some groups (e.g., Tibetans) over Rohingya. India’s handling of Rohingya refugees highlights the need for a comprehensive refugee law to ensure fair treatment, adherence to international obligations, and improved living conditions. Demographic data to stop influx from Myanmar Context: The Union Home Ministry has prioritized strengthening Myanmar border security, phasing out the Free Movement Regime (FMR), and fostering peace and development in the Northeast. Relevance : GS 3 (Internal Security) Myanmar Border Security: Demographic Mapping: Mapping demographic data in Nagaland, Mizoram, and Manipur to support border fencing and curb infiltration. Free Movement Regime (FMR): Plans to scrap the FMR with Myanmar while regulating movement within a reduced 10 km limit. Final notification pending approval by the Ministry of External Affairs. Unfenced Border: Myanmar shares a 1,643 km largely unfenced border with Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram. Development and Resource Mapping in the Northeast: Mineral Mapping: Extensive mapping of mineral, oil, and coal reserves to boost revenue through royalties. Peace and Prosperity: Efforts to promote unity and prosperity in the Northeast, emphasizing regional stability. Success Against Left-Wing Extremism (LWE): Key Achievements: Security forces eliminated 287 Naxalites, including 14 top leaders, and arrested 992. Government targets eradicating LWE by March 31, 2026. Development Scheme: Joint scheme by the Union and Chhattisgarh governments to aid LWE-affected populations within three months. Drug Trafficking and Control: Major Operations: Seizures include: 3,132 kg of drugs (joint operation by NCB, Navy, and Gujarat Police). 700 kg methamphetamine in Gujarat. 82.53 kg cocaine in Delhi. 4,134 kg of narcotics seized from deep seas. Destruction of Seized Drugs: Over 1,17,284 kg of narcotics destroyed in 2024, signaling strong action against drug cartels. Conclusion: The Ministry’s multifaceted initiatives underscore its commitment to bolstering border security, combating extremism and drug trafficking, and fostering development in sensitive regions, paving the way for stability and progress. Behaviour that Causes Mental Pain to Spouse: Ground for Divorce Context : The Supreme Court ruled that persistent emotional distress caused by a spouse constitutes mental cruelty, a valid ground for divorce. Relevance : GS 1 (Society ) , GS 2 (Social Justice ) Mental Cruelty as Divorce Ground The Supreme Court held that behavior causing immense emotional distress to a spouse amounts to mental cruelty. Cruelty includes sustained actions that make cohabitation impossible, extending beyond physical harm. Case Background A husband sought divorce, citing his wife’s behavior, including leaving their home and filing criminal complaints, as mental cruelty. The Madras High Court granted the divorce, which the wife later challenged in the Supreme Court. Supreme Court Judgment The SC upheld the High Court decision, stating that: Sustained emotional torment and loss of trust constitute cruelty. Marriage becomes a mere legal formality when mutual trust and companionship are absent. Alimony The husband was directed to pay ₹50 lakh as permanent alimony. The Court clarified that financial independence of the wife cannot negate her right to maintenance if it ensures dignity, social standing, and stability post-divorce. Financial System Stable on Healthy Balance Sheets Context The RBI reported a stable financial system in 2024, characterized by improved asset quality, strong capital buffers, and shifting deposit preferences driven by rising interest rates. Relevance : GS 3( Banking ) Asset Quality GNPA Ratio: Declined to a 12-year low of 2.6% (as of September 2024). NNPA Ratio: Stable at 0.6%. Provisioning Coverage Ratio (PCR): Improved to 77%, aided by proactive provisioning, particularly by Public Sector Banks (PSBs). Profitability Trends Positive Trends: Improvement in return on assets (ROA). Increase in earnings before provisions and taxes. Challenges: Decline in Net Interest Margin (NIM). Shift in deposits to higher interest rate buckets. Banking Resilience Supported by: Strong capital buffers. Robust earnings. Sustained asset quality improvement. Deposit Profile Shift Decline in CASA deposits in favor of term deposits offering higher interest rates. Moderate growth recorded in loans and deposits during H1 2024. Implications Banking Sector Stability : Strong fundamentals enhance resilience against economic shocks. Asset Quality : Reduced NPAs and proactive provisioning improve investor confidence. Deposit Behavior : Rising interest rates alter deposit preferences, influencing bank margins. Outlook Focus on maintaining capital buffers and provisioning. Monitor deposit profile shifts to adapt to evolving interest rate dynamics. Grave New World: Human-Induced Loss of Elders Threatens Various Species Context : The loss of elder individuals in animal populations, driven by human activities, disrupts social structures, survival strategies, and reproductive success. Relevance : GS 3 ( Environment) Impact of Elder Loss Habitat destruction and human activities accelerate elder loss. Disruption of social structures and survival dynamics. Role of Elders in Animal Populations Elders guide survival strategies, maintain social stability, and enhance reproductive success. Scientific Evidence Studies highlight: Elephants (Matriarchs): Provide guidance during threats. Orcas (Grandmothers): Improve calf survival rates. Conservation Challenges Hunting and habitat destruction exacerbate elder loss. Multi-species fisheries pose complexities in conservation efforts. Longevity Conservation Focus Areas Protect age structures, especially in long-lived species, to ensure: Robust survival strategies. Better adaptation to environmental challenges. Policy Suggestions Safeguard older, larger individuals. Integrate elder loss considerations into conservation policies. Conservation Case Studies Elephants: Matriarch loss increases stress and conflicts. Orcas: Grandmothers enhance reproductive success and calf survival. Fish/Reptiles: Older individuals contribute to higher reproductive output. NASA Probe Flies Closer to the Sun Than Any Spacecraft Context : On December 24, the Parker Solar Probe flew closer to the Sun than any spacecraft, reaching a distance of 6.1 million km. It faced temperatures exceeding 930°C, protected by an advanced heat shield. Relevance : GS 3 (Science) Scientific Mission Launch Date: August 2018, for a seven-year mission. Objective: Explore the Sun’s corona. Improve predictions of space-weather events impacting Earth. Significance of the Flyby Flyby Date and Time: December 24, 5:23 AM IST, with confirmation expected by December 28. Despite extreme external temperatures, the spacecraft’s instruments remained cool (~29°C). Unique Capabilities Speed: Travels at 690,000 km/h, fast enough to cover the distance from New Delhi to Chennai in just 10 seconds. Orbit Adjustment: Uses Venus flybys to tighten its orbit around the Sun. Scientific Goals Study: Origin of solar winds. Why the Sun’s corona is hotter than its surface. Formation of coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Future Plans Two additional record-setting close passes are scheduled for: March 22, 2025. June 19, 2025. Continues returning valuable data from previously unexplored regions of the Sun. Significance for Space Science The Parker Solar Probe represents bold scientific exploration, tackling critical questions about the Sun and its influence on the solar system. It advances our understanding of solar phenomena and their effects on Earth.

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 30 December 2024

Content: India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement marks two years of success Ayurveda’s Expanding Global Presence India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement marks two years of success Milestone Achievement: India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (Ind-Aus ECTA) marks its two-year anniversary with successful implementation. Key Achievements: Strengthened economic ties, boosted MSMEs, and created new business and employment opportunities. Relevance : GS 2(international Relations ) Trade Growth: Merchandise Trade: 2020-21: Bilateral merchandise trade at USD 12.2 billion. 2022-23: Trade doubled to USD 26 billion. 2023-24: Moderation to USD 24 billion, but exports to Australia grew by 14%. Current Fiscal Trend: April-November 2024 trade reached USD 16.3 billion, indicating robust momentum. Agreement Utilization: Data Exchange: Preferential import data exchange commenced in 2023. Utilization Rates: Export utilization: 79% Import utilization: 84% Sectoral Gains: Export Growth: Key sectors showing growth include textiles, chemicals, agriculture, gold studded with diamonds, and turbojets. Imports Supporting Industries: Key imports include metalliferous ores, cotton, wood, and other raw materials essential for Indian industries. Potential Growth Areas: Electronics and engineering sectors identified as areas for future expansion. India-Australia CECA Progress: Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA): CECA negotiations building on ECTA’s success with 10 formal rounds completed. Stocktake meeting in December 2024 in New Delhi to assess progress and strategize. Future Goals: Target Trade Volume: Aim to achieve AUD 100 billion trade by 2030. Goal: Deepen economic integration and foster mutual prosperity. Significance: Strengthens India-Australia Strategic Partnership: Contributes to global economic resilience. Aligns with India’s Vision 2047: A step toward India’s goal of becoming a developed country. Challenges and Constraints: Decline in Overall Trade Volume: Despite growth in exports, the overall trade volume slightly declined to $24 billion in 2023-24, influenced by global economic uncertainties. Trade Deficit Fluctuations: The persistent trade deficit, although reduced in FY24, indicates underlying structural imbalances in trade flows. Underutilization of Potential Sectors: Electronics and engineering imports remain limited, pointing to untapped opportunities in these sectors. Recommendations: Enhancing Export Competitiveness: Encourage value addition in traditional and emerging export sectors. Strengthen supply chain networks to ensure competitive global pricing. Boosting Bilateral Investments: Promote joint ventures in high-potential sectors like electronics and engineering. Leverage Australian expertise in mining and renewable energy to boost India’s industrial capabilities. Diversification of Imports and Exports: Focus on strategic imports to reduce reliance on limited raw materials. Expand export portfolios to include high-tech and innovative products. Achieving the AUD 100 Billion Trade Target: Set interim milestones for steady progress towards the 2030 target. Strengthen institutional mechanisms to address trade barriers and facilitate seamless transactions. Ayurveda’s Expanding Global Presence Context : Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address in the 117th episode of Mann Ki Baat highlighted Ayurveda’s increasing acceptance worldwide, with Paraguay’s efforts serving as an exemplary case. This aligns with India’s holistic approach to health and wellness, driven by the Ministry of Ayush’s strategic initiatives and international collaborations. Relevance : GS1 (Indian Heritage and Culture) Ayurveda’s Presence in Paraguay Paraguay’s Contribution: Erica Huber’s work at the Indian Embassy in Paraguay reflects Ayurveda’s penetration into South America, facilitated by India’s diplomatic efforts. Cultural Integration: The practice bridges Indian traditional knowledge with the health aspirations of local communities, showcasing Ayurveda’s adaptability across diverse cultural contexts. Global Outreach and Collaborations Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs): 24 country-level and 48 institution-level agreements foster research and education. These efforts ensure Ayurveda’s integration into mainstream healthcare systems globally. Academic Chairs and Knowledge Hubs: 15 academic chairs globally drive education and research. 39 Ayush Information Cells in 35 countries disseminate knowledge, enhancing accessibility. Strategic Agreements Notable Partnerships: WHO Donor Agreement amplifies Ayurveda’s global credibility. MoUs with countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Mauritius strengthen India’s diplomatic and health-related ties. WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar: Establishment of this center emphasizes the international acknowledgment of Ayurveda. Ayush Visa and Medical Tourism Facilitating Holistic Healing: The Ayush Visa promotes medical tourism, positioning India as a global hub for traditional wellness solutions. Economic and Diplomatic Impacts: It enhances India’s soft power and strengthens the healthcare economy. Ayurveda Day and Global Acceptance 150 Countries Participating: The 9th Ayurveda Day demonstrates the system’s universal appeal. Theme and Innovations: “Ayurveda Innovations for Global Health” highlights contemporary applications of traditional practices. Strategic Significance Soft Power and Diplomacy Ayurveda acts as a cultural ambassador, promoting India’s values of wellness and sustainability. Strategic collaborations like those with WHO strengthen India’s position in global healthcare governance. Economic Dimensions Medical tourism and the growing global demand for Ayurvedic products contribute to India’s economy. Export opportunities for Ayurvedic formulations and medicinal plants expand India’s trade footprint. Cultural and Knowledge Exchange The spread of Ayurveda fosters cross–cultural exchanges, enhancing global understanding of traditional Indian sciences. Challenges and Way Forward Challenges: Regulatory Hurdles: Varying global standards for traditional medicine create barriers. Scientific Validation: Robust clinical evidence is needed to ensure universal acceptance. Recommendations: Strengthen Research: Collaborate with global institutes for evidence-based studies. Global Awareness Campaigns: Leverage events like Ayurveda Day to enhance visibility. Capacity Building: Train practitioners worldwide to maintain quality and authenticity.

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 30 December 2024

Content: One Nation One Election and representative democracy Dangerous skies One Nation One Election and representative democracy Context : One Nation, One Election aims to streamline elections by synchronizing the tenure of Lok Sabha and State Assemblies to reduce administrative burdens. Relevance : GS 2(Polity ) Practice Question : Discuss the implications of One Nation, One Election on the efficiency of governance and its potential impact on democratic representation.(250 Words) Synchronisation of Elections: Aligns elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. Fixed Tenure: Fixes the tenure of the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. Mid-Term Elections: If dissolved early, mid-term elections cover the remainder of the original tenure. Amendments: Articles 83, 172, and 327 are amended, effective post–2029 general elections, initiating simultaneous elections in 2034. Union Territories: The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aligns the tenure of Union Territories’ legislative Assemblies with the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. Administrative Efficiency and Election Fatigue Efficiency: Aims to reduce administrative burden and election fatigue. Critical Questions: Raises concerns about inclusivity and the representative nature of the process. Understanding Representative Democracy Definition: Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. Principles: Free and fair elections, political accountability, protection of individual rights, balancing majority rule with minority interests. Challenges: Growing disillusionment with the system, as revealed by a 2024 Pew Research Center study across 24 nations. Jayaprakash Narayan’s Critique Critique: In “A Plea for Reconstruction of Indian Polity” (1959), JP critiqued parliamentary democracy. Defects Highlighted: Minority Governments: Risks of unstable and unrepresentative governments. Demagoguery and Populism: Manipulation of public opinion by political parties. Centralisation of Power: Concentration of power in the state. Financial Costs: High cost of elections tethering democracy to moneyed interests. Pre-Legislative Consultation Process Policy: The Pre-Legislative Consultation Policy, 2014, mandates a minimum 30-day period for public feedback. Shortcomings: Inadequate Consultation: Only 10 days given for public response. Lack of Explanatory Material: No explanatory notes or background papers provided. Framing of Questions: Perfunctory approach seeking ‘yes/no’ responses. Implications for Representative Democracy Centralisation vs. Federalism: Risks centralising power, overshadowing state-specific issues. Inclusivity and Participation: Curtailing consultation weakens democratic inclusivity. Electoral Accountability: Simultaneous elections could dilute accountability. Conclusion Democratic Principles: India’s democracy thrives on citizen participation, inclusivity, and accountability. Reform Process: Must be inclusive and representative to maintain trust and avoid centralisation. Dangerous Skies Context : The Azerbaijan airliner crash illustrates the risks posed to civilian aviation by modern warfare technologies, like drones and air defense systems. Relevance : GS 3( Disaster Management, Internal Security) Practice Question : Analyze how modern warfare technologies like drones affect the safety of civilian aviation, with reference to the recent Azerbaijan airliner crash.(250 Words) Crash Incident Overview: An Azerbaijani airliner, Embraer 190, crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, killing 38 people. The flight, from Baku to Grozny (Russia), was diverted and attempted an emergency landing. Initial reports suggested a bird strike, but later investigations pointed to a Russian anti–drone attack as the cause. The attack likely led to depressurization, as evidenced by holes in the plane and oxygen masks deploying. The aircraft continued flying despite damage, crossing 300 miles over the Caspian Sea before crashing. Details of the Attack: The missile strike or anti-drone response from Russian air defense systems might have been triggered by a Ukrainian drone attack. Control system damage is suspected, causing erratic flight paths. Despite the damage, the plane was reportedly denied landing rights at nearby airports, a violation of norms that would typically allow emergency landings for damaged civilian aircraft. The Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) have been recovered and will aid in the investigation. Investigation and Multi-Stakeholder Involvement: Azerbaijan, the country of origin, holds sovereignty over the flight. Brazilian manufacturer Embraer will also be involved in the investigation. U.S. and Azerbaijani officials have blamed Russian air defense systems for the attack, potentially in response to Ukrainian drone operations. Russian President Putin issued a half-hearted apology but stopped short of admitting Russian involvement in the attack. Context of Modern Warfare: The incident highlights the dangers of the evolving nature of warfare, where drones and micro-drones play a significant role as low-cost weapons. These weapons can target and cause damage deep inside enemy territory, affecting civilian and military infrastructure alike. The attack, nearly 500 miles from the Ukrainian border, underscores the expanded reach of modern warfare tactics. Implications for Aviation Safety: The incident underscores the growing risk for civilian airlines operating in conflict zones, especially near regions affected by drone warfare. Airlines must assess the safety of flying through or near such conflict zones to avoid similar tragedies. The crash raises concerns about the adequacy of air defense systems and civilian airspace protection in conflict zones. Political and Military Context: The crash is indicative of the broader risks associated with the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war, where non-combatant nations and civilian aircraft may be caught in the crossfire. The need for de-escalation is urgent, with the success of any peace efforts dependent on Moscow’s willingness to end its invasion of Ukraine and reach an agreement on NATO’s expansion. Failure to de-escalate could result in more civilian casualties and the potential for regional actors to become further involved in the conflict. Broader Impact on Global Airlines: Airlines operating in or near conflict zones must be cautious of the heightened risks associated with military activities, including drone warfare and anti-aircraft defense systems. The crash highlights the need for international cooperation and coordination to ensure safe airspace management in conflict zones. A failure to address the risks could lead to more airline accidents, further disrupting global air travel and tourism. Conclusion: The Azerbaijan airliner crash is a tragic reminder of the broader consequences of modern warfare, where civilian airliners can become unintended victims of military actions.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 30 December 2024

Content: The challenge of holding judges accountable SRO PSLV-C60 SpaDeX mission launch today India shuts down Internet 60 times in 2024, the lowest in eight years Security forces faced resurgence in militancy in Jammu region this year Centre gets 6.21 lakh applications under PM internship scheme ISRO to sign off 2024 with space docking experiment mission today Nari Shakti Se Jal Shakti initiative shows how rural women lead India’s fight against water crisis The Challenge of Holding Judges Accountable Context – Recent controversy: Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav’s controversial speech at a Vishwa Hindu Parishad event has brought attention to issues of judicial accountability. Relevance : GS 2(Polity ) Judicial review mechanism: The Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968 sets the process for holding judges accountable for misbehavior or incapacity. A committee, comprising a Supreme Court judge, a Chief Justice of a High Court, and an eminent jurist, investigates the issue only after a successful impeachment motion in either the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha. Impeachment process: For a judge to be removed, a two-thirds majority vote in Parliament is required. Despite this, the process has seen limited success in holding judges accountable. Past cases: Justice V. Ramaswami: Found guilty of extravagantspending on his official residence but remained in office until retirement due to the failure of impeachment in the Lok Sabha. Justice Soumitra Sen: Found guilty of misappropriating funds but resigned just before the impeachment motion was to be introduced. Resignation loophole: Judges can resign before impeachment, thereby preventingaccountability and avoiding the consequences of the investigation. This immunity is seen as disproportionate compared to elected officials, who cannot evade accountability by resigning. Forum for Judicial Accountability (FJA) stance: Advocates for the continuationofinvestigations even if a judge resigns. Argues that investigations are crucial for maintaining public trust in the judiciary. Institutional challenges: Despite calls for reform, the Rajya Sabha Chairperson, Hamid Ansari, rejected the continuation of investigations after a judge’s resignation, highlighting the difficulties in reforming judicial accountability mechanisms in India. ISRO PSLV-C60 SpaDeX Mission Launch Today Context : Autonomous Space Docking Technology The SpaDeX mission aims to demonstrate and master autonomous space docking technology. India will join the exclusive club of countries (U.S., Russia, and China) with space docking expertise. Relevance : GS 3(Science , Technology ) Mission Overview: Two satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), will be launched into a 470 km low-Earth orbit using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). The mission will test rendezvous, docking, and undocking technologies. Crucial for Lunar Missions: Mastering docking is essential for future lunar missions like Chandrayaan-4. The mission’s precision is particularly challenging due to the small size and mass of the spacecraft. Space Exploration Advancements: The mission will also carry 24 payloads, including experiments that will advance ISRO’s space exploration capabilities. It will support missions involving astronauts, sample returns, and advanced space infrastructure. Boost to Space Startups: The mission will also support Indian space startups, with 10 experiments from private universities and startups. This opens up opportunities for research and development in space technologies. Agriculture in Space: The mission will include experiments to study seed germination and plant growth in space, particularly focusing on crops like spinach and cowpeas, as part of the Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS).                                                                                                                         -Source : Live Mint India Shuts Down Internet 60 Times in 2024, the Lowest in Eight Years Context : India saw 60 internet shutdowns in 2024, the lowest in eight years. This marks a decrease from 96 shutdowns in 2023 and a peak of 132 in 2020. Relevance : GS 2(Governance ) Historical Context: 2020 Peak: Highest number of shutdowns due to the abrogation of Article 370 in J&K. Shutdowns have been particularly frequent in J&K and Manipur due to political unrest and security concerns. Recent Trends: Reduction in Shutdowns: The reduction is largely seen in J&K and Manipur, suggesting possible administrative stabilization. Strategic Shutdowns: Temporary shutdowns were observed in Haryana (Ambala) due to farmer agitations and in Manipur due to law and order situations. Government’s Stance: The government defends shutdowns as necessary for controlling unrest and preventing misuse by anti–social elements. Lack of Centralized Data: The Union government does not maintain centralized data on internet shutdowns or assess their economic impact, despite ongoing parliamentary queries. Digital Rights Concerns: Digital rights groups criticize shutdowns for violating freedom of expression and the right to information. Shutdowns are often imposed without transparency, with authorities failing to comply with Supreme Court orders to publish them. Economic Impact: Shutdowns have significant economic costs, affecting sectors like tourism, education, healthcare, and business operations. The government has not conducted studies to evaluate the economic consequences of internet shutdowns. Global Criticism: India ranks as one of the highest deployers of internet shutdowns globally, drawing criticism from international bodies. Persistent shutdowns may strain diplomatic relations, especially with countries prioritizing digital rights. The Way Forward: Policy Reform Needed: Calls for a more structured and transparent approach to internet shutdowns, with defined criteria for their use. Independent Studies: The government should commission studies on the social, economic, and political consequences of shutdowns. Engagement with Civil Society: Collaboration with digital rights groups to develop balanced policies that safeguard both security and citizens’ digital rights. Security Forces Faced Resurgence In Militancy in Jammu Region This Year Context : Resurgence in Jammu Region: Jammu region saw a significant rise in militant activity, involving all 10 districts in 2024. Security forces faced more casualties than militants in Jammu, indicating a shift in militant tactics, with militants employing more sophisticated training and survival strategies. The Pir Panjal Valley, covering Rajouri and Poonch districts, has been a key area of militant resurgence since 2020, the first such occurrence since 2005. Relevance :GS 3(Internal Security ) Casualty Statistics: Jammu Region: 18 security personnel were killed versus 13 militants in about 30 encounters (ambushes and operations). Kashmir Region: 55 militants killed, with 10 security personnel dead. The Jammu region saw a higher ratio of security personnel killed compared to militants, reflecting a new challenge for security forces. Militant Tactics and Areas of Operation: Militants in Jammu adapted to the region’s terrain, using forested areas and difficult-to-access ridges in Kathua, Reasi, Doda, and Kishtwar districts to avoid detection and launch attacks. The militants took advantage of the difficult geography, including out-of-bound passes with no motorable access, for operations. Militancy-Related Casualties: Jammu Region: 14 civilian deaths, including 9 pilgrims killed in Reasi on June 9. Kashmir Region: 16 civilian deaths, highlighting an increase in civilian-targeted violence. Militants attacked a tunnel project in Ganderbal, resulting in 7 deaths, including 6 laborers and 1 doctor. Increased Security Measures: A special National Security Guard (NSG) unit, known as the Black Cats, was stationed in Jammu for the first time this year to respond to the rising militant threat. Chenab Valley: Security forces are on high alert, particularly in Udhampur, Reasi, Doda, and Kishtwar, where over 30 militants are believed to be operating, but only 13 militants were neutralized. Crackdown on Militants and Supporters: Arrests and Actions: 168 locals were arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for supporting militants. Fourteen houses linked to militants and their supporters were attached. The crackdown on militants and their supporters has been ongoing, with significant enforcement actions in both Jammu and Kashmir regions. Impact on Security Forces: The Jammu region is facing a challenging environment with militant sleeper cells active in many districts, particularly in areas historically used as infiltration routes. Security personnel, including elite PARA units, have suffered high casualties, indicating a shift in the nature of militancy in the region. Key Attacks and Incidents: The Ganderbal attack, which occurred in October 2024, targeted a strategic tunnel project linking Kashmir and Ladakh, signaling a rise in high-profile attacks. The Reasi attack in June was another high-profile incident where militants killed pilgrims, adding to the growing civilian casualties. Long-Term Implications: The resurgence of militancy in Jammu suggests a longer–term shift in militancy dynamics, with Jammu, historically seen as an infiltration route, now facing a fully-fledged militant insurgency. The operational tactics of militants have evolved, demanding enhanced counter-insurgency strategies and additional resources to combat the growing threat. Centre Gets 6.21 lakh Applications Under PM Internship Scheme Applications and Opportunities: The Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme has received 6.21 lakh applications for 1.27 lakh internship opportunities. The selection process for these internships is currently ongoing. Relevance : GS 2(Schemes ) Scheme Objective: The scheme, announced in the Union Budget, is designed to provide internships to one crore youth in the top 500 companies over five years. The goal is to expose youth to real-world business environments, across various professions, and create employment opportunities. Financial Assistance: Interns will receive a monthly stipend of ₹5,000 for 12 months. ₹4,500 will be provided by the Union government. ₹500 will be contributed by the company through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds. One-Time Grant: Interns will also receive a one-time grant of ₹6,000 for incidentals upon joining the internship. PM Internship Scheme Notes (2024) Overview: Launched by: Union Corporate Affairs Ministry. Objective: To provide internship opportunities to youth in the top 500 companies to expose them to a real-world business environment, across various professions and employment sectors. Target: 1 crore youth in 5 years, providing opportunities in 500 companies. Key Details: Applications Received: 6.21 lakh applications for 1.27 lakh opportunities. Internship Duration: 12 months. Selection Process: Currently ongoing. Financial Assistance: Stipend: ₹5,000 per month for interns. ₹4,500 from the Union government. ₹500 from the company via Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds. One-Time Grant: ₹6,000 to cover incidentals for each intern upon joining. Implementation: Target Demographic: Youth across India, primarily focusing on providing skills and experience to help bridge the gap between education and employment. Outcome Goal: Expose youth to various sectors, fostering entrepreneurship, skill-building, and enhancing employability. Additional Points: The internship scheme was announced as part of the Union Budget 2024 to empower young individuals and connect them with businesses in different industries. ISRO to Sign off 2024 With Space Docking Experiment Mission Today Overview: Mission Name: SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment) Launch Vehicle: PSLV-C60 (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) Launch Date: December 30, 2024, at 9:58 p.m. Launch Location: Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota Relevance : GS 3(Space ) Key Details: Spacecraft Involved: Chaser (SDX01) and Target (SDX02) spacecraft. Each spacecraft weighs approximately 220 kg. Both will be placed into a 470 km circular orbit at a 55-degree inclination. Objective: Spacecraft Rendezvous, Docking, and Undocking: This mission is a critical step in demonstrating the technology required for future space missions, including satellite servicing, space station operations, and interplanetary missions. Technology Demonstration: The experiment will advance India’s capabilities in space docking, an essential technology for future missions like lunar exploration, building an Indian space station, and sending Indian astronauts to the Moon. Mission Phases: Initial Phase: Separation of Spacecraft: The SDX02 spacecraft will separate first, followed by SDX01 after a few seconds. The spacecraft will be given a small relative velocity to ensure a 10-20 km separation between them. Far Rendezvous: After separation, the Target spacecraft will use its propulsion system to adjust its relative velocity, allowing both spacecraft to match their velocities and remain in the same orbit but separated by about 20 km. Final Phase: The Chaser spacecraft will gradually close the distance with the Target spacecraft, ultimately docking in the first week of January 2025. Mission Significance: Futuristic Missions: This docking experiment is crucial for the success of upcoming missions, such as: Lunar Missions: Sending an Indian astronaut to the Moon. Interplanetary Missions: Sample returns from the Moon and Mars. Space Station: The operation of an Indian space station. PS4-Orbital Experiment Module Payloads: 24 payloads will be carried onboard the PSLV–C60, contributing to ISRO’s ongoing experiments and advancements in space technology. Milestone for India: Space Docking Technology: India aims to join an exclusive group of countries (USA, Russia, China) that have mastered space docking technology. International Significance: The success of this mission will not only showcase India’s growing space capabilities but also pave the way for more complex space operations in the future. Nari Shakti Se Jal Shakti initiative shows how rural women lead India’s fight against water crisis Overview: Initiative Name: Nari Shakti Se Jal Shakti (Women Power for Water Empowerment) Focus: Engaging women in water conservation efforts and leveraging their leadership in managing water resources. Aim: Addressing India’s severe water crisis by empowering women to lead community-based water conservation initiatives. Relevance : GS 2(Governance ) Context of Water Crisis: Water Shortage: India is facing a significant water crisis, with 40% of its population expected to lack access to clean drinking water by 2030. Agricultural Dependency: 80% of India’s water is used for agriculture, which is vulnerable to erratic monsoons. Economic Impact: The global water crisis is projected to cause financial losses, with lower-income countries potentially facing GDP losses of up to 15% by 2050. Role of Women in Water Conservation: Traditional Role: Women, particularly in rural areas, are traditionally responsible for water-related tasks such as fetching water and managing household water use. Leadership: Women’s influence in rural communities allows them to effectively mobilize others and drive water conservation practices. Key Components of the Initiative: Water-Saving Practices: Women-led groups advocate for and implement water-saving strategies such as reducing water wastage and protecting natural water bodies. Sustainable Solutions: The initiative ensures that water conservation efforts are sustainable and have long-lasting impacts on local communities. Global Impact and Alignment: Sustainable Development Goals: The initiative contributes to SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) by empowering women and improving access to water. Case Studies of Success: Rajasthan: Women-led groups have revived traditional water bodies and built check dams, improving groundwater levels and ensuring year-round water availability. Maharashtra: Women have promoted micro–irrigation techniques, reducing water usage in agriculture and increasing crop yields. Himachal Pradesh: Women are actively involved in rainwater harvesting projects, securing a steady water supply during dry periods. Broader Impact: Water Security: The initiative addresses the critical need for water conservation, ensuring that future generations have reliable access to water. Gender Equality: It simultaneously promotes gender equality by involving women in decision-making and leadership roles in water management. Conclusion: The Nari Shakti Se Jal Shakti initiative showcases the transformative power of women in solving pressing environmental challenges.                                                                                                             Source : Down to Earth

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 27 December 2024

Content: Empowering Rural India India’s Rural Connectivity Revolution  Empowering Rural India The Revolutionary Impact of SVAMITVA Launched on National Panchayati Raj Day (April 24, 2020), the SVAMITVA Scheme is a transformative initiative aimed at the economic empowerment of rural India. Utilizing advanced drone and GIS technology, it provides property owners in village Abadi areas with a “Record of Rights.” This enables property monetization, access to bank loans, and reduces property disputes, fostering comprehensive village planning and supporting Gram Swaraj and Atmanirbhar Bharat. Relevance : GS 2(Governance ) Key Highlights Upcoming Milestone: On December 27, 2024, Hon’ble PM will distribute 57 lakh property cards across 46,351 villages in 10 states and 2 UTs during a virtual ceremony. Need for the Scheme: Rural land surveys were incomplete for decades, leaving property owners without legal records. This absence hindered access to credit and economic progress. The SVAMITVA Scheme addresses this gap through drone–based surveys, modern mapping, and property validation. Achievements Property Cards Distributed: 57 lakh cards across 10 states (e.g., Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra) and 2 UTs (Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh). 2.19 crore property cards prepared for nearly 1.49 lakh villages. Drone Surveys Completed: 3.17 lakh villages, including all inhabited villages in Haryana, Uttarakhand, Puducherry, Tripura, Goa, Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Digital Access: Property cards available via DigiLocker for seamless viewing and downloading. Technology: High-resolution maps generated using survey-grade drones and Continuous Operating Referencing System (CORS). Innovations Real-time progress tracking through a centralized online dashboard. Enhanced accuracy and speed in rural land demarcation. Impact Economic Empowerment: Enables property to serve as a financial asset, unlocking opportunities for loans and investment. Dispute Resolution: Reduces property-related disputes by providing legal ownership records. Comprehensive Planning: Facilitates better village–level development and governance. Success Stories SVAMITVA has transformed rural governance by turning age-old challenges of land ownership into growth opportunities. With innovations in technology and inclusivity, it fosters self–reliance, smarter planning, and unification in rural India. Conclusion SVAMITVA is more than a government initiative; it is a catalyst for rural self–reliance and economic transformation. Through property validation and modern mapping, it lays the foundation for a stronger, unified rural India. India’s Rural Connectivity Revolution From Policy to Progress Mobile and internet connectivity are pivotal in driving self-reliance (Aatma Nirbharta) and empowering women, particularly in rural areas. By bridging digital divides, these initiatives unlock opportunities, transform lives, and catalyze socio–economic development. Relevance : GS 2(Governance) Transformative Impact Example: Mrs. Reena Kirar, leader of the Girja Devi Jan Kalyan Samiti in Madhya Pradesh, expanded her self–help group’s market reach using the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal. This digital platform significantly boosted their income and confidence, demonstrating the power of connectivity in rural entrepreneurship. Achievements in Connectivity Expansion Coverage Progress: Of 6,44,131 villages, over 6,22,804 have mobile coverage, including 6,14,564 with 4G connectivity (as of September 2024). Under the PM JANMAN Mission, mobile connectivity has been extended to 1,136 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) habitations. 1,018 mobile towers have been sanctioned to provide 4G connectivity to PVTG areas, with an estimated expenditure of ₹1,014 crore. Key Government Initiatives Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN): Ensures equitable access to communication services. As of December 2024: 8,730 mobile towers installed. 1.99 lakh villages covered under Bharat Broadband Network Limited. BharatNet Project: Aims to connect every Gram Panchayat with affordable high-speed internet. Achievements: Over 2.14 lakh Gram Panchayats connected. PM-WANI (Wi-Fi Access Network Interface): Establishes public Wi-Fi hotspots to foster digital participation. Progress: 2,47,076 hotspots established (as of December 2024). Consumer Protection Initiatives Sanchar Saathi Portal: Enables citizens to track unauthorized mobile connections. Do Not Disturb (DND) Service: Blocks unsolicited calls and messages under TRAI’s 2018 regulations. AI Technology: TRAI uses AI to detect unregistered telemarketers and imposes penalties on non-compliant telecom providers. Conclusion India’s rural connectivity revolution is bridging the digital divide and transforming the socio-economic landscape. Programs like DBN, BharatNet, and PM–WANI empower citizens and turn villages into vibrant hubs of opportunity. With a focus on inclusivity and innovation, the government is building a digitally empowered and self-reliant rural India.

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 27 December 2024

Content: An avoidable tragedy Pushed through Tapping into Kazakhstan’s rare earths potential An Avoidable Tragedy Context : High Incidence Rate: India records one of the highest stampede-related fatalities globally, with over 3,000 deaths from 3,935 incidents between 1996 and 2022 (NCRB). Relevance : GS 2(Governance ) Practice Question: What are the main causes of stampedes in India, and how can crowd management be improved to prevent such tragedies?(250 Words ) Major Causes: Religious Gatherings: High density of attendees and inadequate facilities. Examples: Sabarimala (2011): 106 deaths on a narrow pathway. Kumbh Mela (2013): 36 deaths due to overcrowding at a railway station. Political Rallies: Overcrowding and poor crowd management. Example: Gandhi Maidan, Patna (2014): 30+ fatalities. Celebrity Appearances: Enthusiastic fans, inadequate security, and poor planning. Example: Hyderabad (2023): Tragic stampede during a promotional event for Pushpa 2: The Rule, resulting in one death and one critical injury. Case Study: Hyderabad Stampede (2023) Incident Details: Actor Allu Arjun’s surprise appearance drew an overwhelming crowd. Resulted in the death of a 35–year–old woman and critical injuries to her child. Aftermath: ₹2 crore compensation pledged by the actor and team. Blame attributed to the Hyderabad police and event for lack of preparation and poor crowd control. Key Issues in Crowd Management Negligence in Planning: Lack of foresight in estimating crowd size. Inadequate infrastructure to handle large gatherings. Inadequate Protocols: Absence of clear entry/exit strategies. Poor deployment of trained personnel. Emergency Response Gaps: Delay in medical aid. Ineffective chaos management during crises. Actionable Measures Infrastructure and Comfort: Spatial Planning: Multiple, clearly designated entry and exit points. Thermal Comfort: Provide shaded areas to prevent heat-related exhaustion. Hydration Facilities: Ensure availability of drinking water stations. Advanced Crowd Management: Predictive Planning: Use AI-based tools to estimate crowd density and movement patterns. Clear Communication: Install PA systems for instructions in case of emergencies. Emergency Preparedness: Trained Personnel: Deploy security staff skilled in crowd control and first aid. Medical Assistance: On-site ambulances and well-equipped medical teams. Simulation Drills: Regularly conduct mock drills for better preparedness. Policy Reforms: Mandate detailed risk assessments for all public events. Introduce stricter accountability mechanisms for organizers and local authorities. Awareness and Education: Public campaigns to educate citizens on safe behavior in crowded spaces. Clear signage and visual guides for navigation during large events. Conclusion India’s repeated failures in crowd management highlight systemic deficiencies in planning and execution. Pushed Through Background Project Details: Budget: ₹44,605 crore. Objective: Divert “excess” water from the Ken River basin to the Betwa River basin for farmland and settlements. Infrastructure: Includes the Daudhan Dam, situated inside the Panna Tiger Reserve. Relevance : GS 3(Infrastructure ) Practice Question: What are the environmental and social concerns regarding the Ken-Betwa River link project, and how can these issues be addressed?(250 Words ) Government Stance: Project flagged off by the Prime Minister despite ongoing concerns and opposition. Approval granted by the Union Cabinet in 2021, even as the National Green  Tribunal (NGT) was deliberating its environmental clearance challenge. Concerns and Challenges Environmental Impact: Deforestation: Lakhs of trees to be cut, destabilizing fragile ecosystems. Impact on Panna Tiger Reserve: Violation of environmental norms restricting projects in ecologically sensitive zones. Ecosystem Destabilization: Hydroelectric dam construction may harm biodiversity and disrupt habitats. Hydrological Issues: Data Secrecy: Hydrological data for both basins not disclosed, citing their classification as part of the Ganga basin. Seasonal Floods and Droughts: Studies indicate both basins experience similar rainfall and sedimentation patterns, undermining the rationale of “surplus” and “deficit” basins. Future Water Demand: Potential increase in Ken basin demand could result in both basins suffering water shortages. Cost-Effectiveness: Alternative solutions, such as maintaining environmental flows and enhancing natural storage, could achieve similar results at a lower cost. Sociopolitical Implications: Projects like Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal link indicate a trend of politically motivated decisions over ecological sustainability. Potential Consequences Long-Term Sustainability: Project viability is questionable due to fluctuating rainfall and sedimentation patterns. May fail to provide long-term water security for either basin. Ecological Costs: Irreversible damage to forests, wildlife, and ecosystems in the Panna region. Possible decline in regional biodiversity. Economic Burden: Mitigation of adverse outcomes will impose costs on local populations. Escalating investments reduce the likelihood of policy course correction. Public Accountability: Lack of transparency undermines trust and accountability in governance. Actionable Recommendations Transparency and Data Sharing: Release hydrological and environmental impact data for public and expert scrutiny. Alternative Solutions: Enhance natural water retention mechanisms and maintain ecological flows in river basins. Strict Adherence to Environmental Laws: Enforce strict compliance with norms for projects in ecologically sensitive areas. Community-Centric Approach: Engage local communities and stakeholders in decision-making and impact assessments. Independent Audits and Reviews: Commission periodic audits to evaluate project feasibility and ecological impact. Conclusion While the Ken-Betwa project aims to address water scarcity and boost agriculture, it risks significant environmental and economic costs. Tapping into Kazakhstan’s rare earths potential Context of Rising Demand for Rare Earths Global Transition to Clean Energy: Increased demand for rare earths due to renewable energy technologies (solar, wind, electric vehicles). India’s Growing Need: As the 3rd largest carbon emitter, India is focusing on renewable energy, intensifying the need for rare earths for sectors like electronics, defense, and clean energy. India’s Current Dependence: Despite being the 5th-largest holder of rare earths, India relies heavily on China for imports due to a lack of advanced extraction technologies. Relevance : GS 3(Minerals ) Practice Question :Why is Kazakhstan important for India in terms of rare earths, and what are the challenges in working together on this issue? (250 Words ) China’s Monopoly on Rare Earths Global Control: China holds over 30% of the world’s rare earth reserves and produces 70% of global supply, dominating the market. India’s Import Reliance: India sources 60% of its rare earth imports from China, which dictates the terms of the supply chain. China’s Strategic Moves: Supply Disruptions: China has halted supplies of antimony and imposed bans on technologies crucial for rare earth extraction and magnets. National Security Concerns: China has used rare earth supply cuts as leverage in geopolitical tensions, further heightening security concerns for countries dependent on Chinese exports. Geopolitical Risk: The war in Ukraine has disrupted the global supply of critical minerals (like antimony), highlighting vulnerabilities in the current supply chain and prompting countries, including India, to diversify sources. Kazakhstan’s Strategic Position Rich Resource Base: Kazakhstan is a key player with access to 15 of the 17 rare earth elements, including vital resources like dysprosium. Geopolitical and Economic Alignment: Close ties between India and Kazakhstan via the ‘Connect Central Asia’ policy and transport initiatives (e.g., International North-South Transport Corridor). Kazakhstan’s role as a partner in reducing India’s over-reliance on China. Strategic Collaborations: Kazakhstan has agreements with Japan, Germany, the U.S., South Korea, and the EU to explore and extract rare earths, signaling its rising importance in the global market. Resource Projection: Kazakhstan’s extraction of rare earths, particularly dysprosium, is expected to grow significantly from 2024-2029, enhancing its role in global supply chains. Kazakhstan’s Mining and Technological Advances Industrial Growth: Hosts world-leading factories for beryllium and scandium (critical for telecommunications). Among top producers of tantalum and niobium, essential for clean energy technologies and nuclear reactors. Emerging Technologies: Focus on lithium, heat–resistant alloys, and other critical minerals like tungsten and battery materials. Metallurgical plants extract essential minerals like bismuth, antimony, selenium, tellurium, gallium, and indium, critical for renewable energy production. Technological Prioritization: Kazakhstan is investing in advanced extraction and processing technologies to further expand its position in the rare earth sector. Implications for India’s Energy and Resource Security India’s Renewable Energy Ambitions: India’s pledge to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030 requires securing rare earths for clean energy technologies like wind turbines and solar panels. India plans to increase mining output by 400% over the next decade but faces limitations in its supply chain. Reducing Dependence on China: India’s over-reliance on China for rare earths poses strategic risks amid potential global shifts (e.g., changes in U.S. foreign policy). Kazakhstan presents a geographically closer, politically stable, and resource-rich alternative to China. Diversification Strategy: Collaboration with Kazakhstan can enhance India’s resource security, mitigate supply chain disruptions, and support sustainable energy goals by tapping into Kazakhstan’s rare earth reserves. Challenges to Overcome Connectivity: Direct trade routes and infrastructure between India and Kazakhstan need development to facilitate smooth trade. Technological Gaps: Both countries lack advanced extraction technologies necessary for large-scale production of rare earths. Investment and Private Sector Engagement: Encouraging private sector participation in joint ventures and mining projects is crucial for tapping into Kazakhstan’s potential. The Way Forward: India-Kazakhstan Collaboration India-Central Asia Rare Earths Forum: Proposed by India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval to enhance cooperation between India and Central Asian countries in rare earths and strategic minerals. Aims to create a regional market and reduce reliance on China by fostering bilateral training, sharing geological data, sustainable extraction practices, and joint ventures. Private Sector Involvement: Boosting partnerships through private sector investment and technological collaboration can address challenges in extraction and production.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 27 December 2024

Content: Over 10.58 lakh votes were ‘not counted or rejected’ in Lok Sabha election, show EC data Nation mourns former PM Manmohan Singh, economist-ruler credited with liberalisation A global polio resurgence and the need to reevaluate the basics Local clinical trial waiver for selected drugs is a double-edged sword: experts Should the wealth tax be reinstated in India? Leave Banking to RBI, Says Supreme Court OpenAI finds AI in education a major risk in India but experts disagree Over 10.58 lakh votes were ‘not counted or rejected’ in Lok Sabha election, show EC data Relevance : GS 2(Elections ) This includes 5,35,825 postal votes and 5,22,513 votes cast on electronic voting machines (EVMs). Voter Registration and Turnout: Voter registration saw a significant increase, with 97.97 crore citizens registered, up from 91.19 crore in 2019 (7.43% increase). The voter turnout reached 64.64 crore, with 63.89 crore valid votes. Other Voting Irregularities: Three proxy votes were recorded. 9,634 tendered votes were cast, meaning impersonation of voters occurred at some polling stations. Polling Stations and Re-Polling: The election had 10,51,016 polling stations, with an average of 930 electors per station. Re-polling was conducted at 40 polling stations. Candidates and Nominations: A total of 12,459 nominations were filed, but only 8,360 candidates qualified to contest. 7,190 candidates (86%) lost their deposits after failing to secure one-sixth of the votes polled. Independent Candidates: Among 3,921 independent candidates, only seven won. None of the 279 women independent candidates won. Women Voters and Candidates: The number of women candidates increased to 800 in 2024, from 726 in 2019. The number of female voters also rose to 47.63 crore in 2024, up from 43.85 crore in 2019. Female voter turnout increased marginally from 65.55% to 65.78%. Political Parties’ Performance: Six national parties, including BJP, Congress, and CPI(M), together secured more than 63% of the total valid votes. The election also saw participation from 47 recognised state parties and 690 registered unrecognised political parties. Nation mourns former PM Manmohan Singh, economist-ruler credited with liberalisation Relevance : GS 4(Ethics , Leadership ) Architect of Economic Reforms 1991 Liberalization: Dr. Singh, as Finance Minister, introduced reforms to address the Balance of Payments crisis: Key Measures: Deregulation of industries, FDI liberalization, and a shift towards a market-driven economy. Impact: Positioned India for sustained GDP growth and global economic integration. Relevance Today: These reforms serve as the foundation for current policies like GST, PLI schemes, and digital infrastructure. Indo-U.S. Nuclear Deal 2008 Agreement: Despite opposition from Left parties and political risks, Dr. Singh pushed the deal forward, ending India’s nuclear isolation. Significance: Secured energy security through civil nuclear cooperation. Elevated India’s global strategic standing by fostering deeper ties with the U.S. Departure from Non-Alignment: This deal signified a gradual move away from Nehruvian non-alignment towards pragmatic engagement with global powers. Transition in Foreign Policy Sharm-el-Sheikh Declaration (2009): Attempted to revive composite dialogue with Pakistan by balancing 26/11 concerns with terrorism in Balochistan. Criticism and Significance: While controversial, it demonstrated his commitment to diplomacy and peace-building in South Asia. Governance and Leadership Challenges Achievements: Key social welfare initiatives like MGNREGA, RTI Act, and the Right to Education Act under his leadership. Expanded India’s middle class and reduced poverty. Academic and Professional Excellence Distinguished Economist: Held top economic roles (RBI Governor, Finance Secretary, Chief Economic Adviser) before entering politics. Global Recognition: Praised by leaders like Barack Obama for his economic insight, reflecting the importance of academic expertise in governance. Political Legacy and Historical Judgment “Accidental PM” to Transformational Leader: While criticized during his tenure, his strategic decisions (1991 reforms, nuclear deal) are recognized as pivotal for India’s development. A global polio resurgence and the need to reevaluate the basics Context: Polio, a near-eradicated disease, has resurfaced in various regions, with detections of both wild poliovirus (WPV) and vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV). This resurgence calls for a reassessment of eradication strategies and vaccine choices to sustain global progress. Relevance : GS 2(Health ) Resurgence in Developed and Developing Nations: Detection of poliovirus in wastewater in developed nations like Finland, Germany, Spain, Poland, and the UK underscores the global nature of the threat. Pockets of under-vaccination, even in nations with high immunization rates (85-95%), create vulnerabilities. Polio Vaccination Dilemma: The oral polio vaccine (OPV) is effective and easy to administer but risks circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPVs). The inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), being non-transmissible, is seen as a safer alternative but is costlier and requires trained personnel for administration. Transmission Dynamics – Faecal-Oral vs. Respiratory: Traditional understanding emphasizes faecal-oral transmission. Emerging research suggests a significant role for respiratory transmission, challenging long-held assumptions and necessitating nuanced interventions. Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI): Reliance on OPV for eradication has been questioned. A phased global shift to IPV is recommended for sustainable eradication, addressing both WPV and cVDPVs. Challenges in Polio Eradication: Surveillance Gaps: Routine surveillance must identify subnational immunity gaps, especially in underserved regions and conflict zones. Vaccine Controversy: Transitioning from OPV to IPV involves logistical, financial, and policy hurdles, particularly in low-income countries. Public Health Preparedness: Stronger health systems and consistent vaccination campaigns are crucial to counter resurgence and prevent vaccine hesitancy. Environmental Factors: Wastewater surveillance highlights the role of environmental reservoirs, necessitating multi-sectoral interventions, including sanitation improvements. Recommendations: Phased Transition to IPV: Immediate planning for an OPV–to–IPVswitch in phased manner across countries. Encourage funding and partnerships to mitigate the cost implications of IPV. Enhanced Surveillance and Data Integration: Expandwastewatertesting and genomic analysis for real-time tracking of virus circulation. Focus on underserved areas with low vaccination coverage. Public Awareness and Advocacy: Disseminateaccurateinformation about IPV’s safety and effectiveness. Engage communities to address vaccine hesitancy. Global Coordination and Equity: Strengthen international cooperation for vaccine availability and equitable distribution. Reinforce the GPEI with targeted funding and country-specific strategies. Local clinical trial waiver for selected drugs is a double-edged sword: experts Context: India’s recent regulatory shift under Rule 101 of the New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules (NDCTR), 2019, enables the Central Licensing Authority (CLA) to waive local clinical trials for new drugs approved in specific countries. While this aims to expedite access to critical medications, it raises concerns about safety, genetic variability, and healthcare equity. Relevance : GS 2(Governance) Accelerated Access to Essential Medicines: The waiver allows fasterapprovals for drugs from sixregions: the US, UK, Japan, Australia, Canada, and the EU. Targeted categories include orphan drugs, gene and cellular therapy products, pandemic-related drugs, and medications with significant therapeutic advantages. Patient Safety Concerns: India’s diverse genetic makeup necessitates localized trials to assess efficacy and safety. Bypassing trials could lead to unanticipated adverse effects, as seen in other nations that emphasize ethnic sensitivity testing. Ethnic Sensitivity Testing: Global Practices: Japan mandates localtesting or foreigndataanalysis to ensure genetic compatibility in drug metabolism. China employs stringent frameworks to validate safety within its population. Impact on Patients with Rare Diseases: Advocacy groups highlight the dual role of trials in validating drug efficacy and enabling access to expensive treatments. Waiving trials could reduce patient wait times but might limit opportunities for those who rely on trial participation for treatment access. Industry Benefits and Pandemic Preparedness: Eased regulatorypathways enhance the pharmaceuticalindustry’s ability to respond swiftly during health emergencies. Fast-track approvals improve market readiness for rare disease drugs and innovative therapies. Challenges: Ethical and Safety Oversight: Absence of localized validation risks exposing patients to unforeseensideeffects or diminished drug effectiveness. Ethical concerns arise when fast-tracking compromises comprehensive safety evaluations. Inconsistent Policy Frameworks: Delayed inclusion of conditions like Acid Sphingomyelinase Deficiency (ASMD) under the National Policy for Rare Diseases highlights procedural bottlenecks. Streamlining policy updates is crucial to align with expedited drug approvals. Equity and Access: Wealthierpatients may disproportionately benefit from rapidapprovals, exacerbating healthcare disparities. Absence of trials may limit affordable access for economically disadvantaged groups relying on trial participation. Recommendations: Localized Trials with Adaptive Frameworks: Mandate bridging studies to address India’s genetic diversity while expediting approvals. Implement real-world evidence collection to monitor post-market drug performance. Policy and Regulatory Harmonization: Align fast-track approval mechanisms with the National Policy for Rare Diseases. Ensure periodic updates to include new rare diseases in regulatory frameworks. Stakeholder Engagement: Incorporate feedback from patientadvocacy groups to balance access and safety. Promote transparency in the waiver decision–making process to build public trust. Post-Market Surveillance: Strengthen pharmacovigilance systems to track adverse events and long-term efficacy. Leverage technology for efficient monitoring and data analysis. Should the wealth tax be reinstated in India? Introduction : The debate around reintroducing the wealth tax in India revolves around economic growth, wealth inequality, revenue generation, and governance efficiency. While proponents argue that a wealth tax can reduce inequality and finance essential sectors like health and education, critics raise concerns about its practicality, potential capital flight, and administrative inefficiencies. Relevance : GS 2(Governance ) , GS 3(Taxation ) Arguments in Favor of Reinstating Wealth Tax: Addressing Inequality: Proponents like Rahul Menon highlight that wealth concentration has reached extreme levels, reducing opportunities for a significant portion of the population. A wealth tax targeting the top 0.04% of the population can act as a redistributive mechanism to bridge disparities. Revenue Generation for Social Sectors: The revenue from a wealth tax could be invested in healthandeducation to enhance humancapital. Targeted spending on public goods would potentially offset the adverse effects of inequality by creating an educated and healthy workforce. Global Examples: Countries like Norway and theUK, despite having wealthtaxes, have managed to retain publictrust through robust infrastructure and welfare systems. The idea of taxing wealth aligns with international trends to create equitable growth models. Feasibility: With advancements in technology and trackingsystems, it is now possible to better assess and monitor wealth. International collaborations and data-sharing agreements can further aid transparency and enforcement. Arguments Against Reinstating Wealth Tax: Administrative and Practical Challenges: As Ajay Shah points out, measuring wealth accurately is fraught with difficulties. Wealth in forms like realestate or gold can be easily underreportedorhidden. Previous iterations of wealth tax in India (abolished in 2016-17) yielded less than 1% of gross tax collections, highlighting high administrative costs and low returns. Risk of Capital Flight: Wealth taxes could drivehigh–net–worthindividuals to relocate their assets or themselves to countries with lower tax burdens. This could harm economic growth and reduce investment in India. Economic Growth Over Redistribution: Critics argue that growth, not redistribution, is the key to reducingpoverty and improving well-being. Public policy should focus on creating conditions for economic expansion rather than targeting the wealthy. Inefficiencies in Public Spending: Allocating wealth tax revenues to health or education may not necessarily yield desiredoutcomes due to systemic inefficiencies. Without governance reforms, additional funds may only exacerbate existing issues, such as poor student outcomes highlighted by ASER surveys. Behavioral Distortions: A wealth tax could incentivize individuals to shift investments from productive assets like equities to less productive ones like gold or real estate, adversely impacting the economy. Recommendations: Broader Tax Reforms: Focus on strengthening and expanding existing progressivetaxes such as personalincometax and propertytax. Introduce measures to close loopholes and improve compliance in these systems. Efficient Public Expenditure: Prioritize reforms to improve the efficiency and accountability of public spending in social sectors. Link increased allocations to measurable outcomes in health and education. Alternative Mechanisms: Consider comprehensivetaxation systems that do not distinguish between labor and capital. Explore policies like inheritance tax or capital gains tax on ultra–wealthy individuals instead of a direct wealth tax. Public Awareness and Institutional Framework: Develop an institutional framework to assess wealth comprehensively and minimize evasion. Engage stakeholders to build consensus on redistributive policies. Leave Banking to RBI, Says Supreme Court Case Background Context: Appeals were filed by major banks (HSBC, Citibank, American Express, Standard Chartered, and HDFC) challenging a 2008 National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) decision. The NCDRC had capped credit card interest rates at 30%, deeming higher rates (36%-49%) as “exorbitant” and exploitative. Relevance : GS 2(Judiciary ), GS 3(Banking ) Supreme Court’s Judgment: Set aside the NCDRC ruling, emphasizing it violated Section 21A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. Highlighted that the Act prohibits judicial scrutiny of interest rates charged by banks. Observations by the Supreme Court Judicial Limitations: Courts should not assume expertise or jurisdiction in banking matters. Their role is confined to examining whether an authority, like the RBI, has abused its lawful powers. Exclusive Domain of RBI: The RBI is the sole entity mandated to regulate and supervise banks. No other institution, including courts, can legislate or issue binding directives for banking. Rationale Behind the Verdict Role of RBI: The RBI, as the primary regulatory authority, is empowered to issue binding guidelines with statutory force. It is entrusted with ensuring public interest and economic growth through its directives. Judicial Overreach: The NCDRC’s attempt to capinterestrates encroached upon the RBI’sregulatorydomain. Courts must avoid appropriating tasks that are exclusively designated to specialized authorities like the RBI. Legal Framework Referenced Banking Regulation Act, 1949: Section 21A prohibits courts from scrutinizing interest rates charged by banks. Banking regulations are designed to provide RBI full control over the financial sector. Judicial Oversight: Courts may only intervene in cases of abuse of lawful authority by the RBI or banks. Implications of the Verdict Clarification of Roles: Reinforces RBI’s exclusive mandate over banking operations. Limits judicial interference in technical and economic matters beyond its expertise. Impact on Consumers: Consumer disputes related to banking must align with the regulatory framework set by the RBI. NCDRC and similar forums cannot independently cap interest rates or override RBI directives. Banking Autonomy: Ensures that banking institutions operate without undue judicial constraints, fostering growth and stability in the financial sector. OpenAI finds AI in education a major risk in India but experts disagree Context : OpenAI’s Study and Findings Relevance : GS 2(Education ), GS 3(Technology ) AI Risks in Education: OpenAI’s survey highlighted that policymakers in India see AI risks to education as a particularly high concern compared to other countries. Risks identified include over-reliance on AI tools by students, which could hamper critical thinking skills. Global Comparison: In countries like the U.S., U.K., Japan, and Taiwan, AI risks in education were viewed as less significant. Indian respondents ranked risks in education as the fifth priority, surpassing concerns like geopolitical risks or the alignment problem. Key Risks Identified: Misuse of AI by malicious actors. Economic risks, including job displacement due to automation. The potential decline in students’ critical thinking and reasoning skills due to AI assistance. Expert Reactions and Disagreements Disagreement with OpenAI’s Findings: Experts in India, from government, industry, and academia, argue that the concerns raised by OpenAI are overblown. They believe that the benefits of AI in education far outweigh the perceived risks, particularly in the Indian context. Advitiya Sharma’s Perspective: Sharma, an EdTech leader, criticized the study, pointing out that the lack of understanding and awareness of AI in India creates exaggerated concerns. He emphasized that AI has already shown significant benefits in classrooms, including among tens of thousands of teachers and students. He predicts that in 18-24 months, AI’s role in education will be better understood, and risk perceptions will decrease as its benefits become more widely recognized. Lack of Awareness and Experience: According to Sharma, countries like the U.S. and U.K. are more advanced in AI use in education, leading to a greater recognition of potential problems. In contrast, India’s limited experience may amplify concerns. Potential Threats to Education Loss of Critical Thinking: One of the key concerns raised by Indian policymakers is that generative AI tools might lead students to rely on quick answers rather than engaging in critical reasoning and problem-solving. AI in Assessment: There are fears that the use of AI tools like ChatGPT could complicate assessments, as students might submit AI-generated answers rather than their own work. Challenges with AI Outputs: Educators acknowledge that AI tools sometimes produce incorrect or misleading results, which poses a challenge but does not overshadow AI’s potential for educational enhancement. Optimism about AI’s Role in Education AI as a Knowledge Tool: Experts like Krishnan Narayanan from IIT Madras see AI as a valuable brainstorming and knowledge co-creation tool. Narayanan suggests that AI should be designed to guide students toward answers rather than providing solutions directly, encouraging more active learning and reasoning. Socratic AI Design: Experts propose using AI in a Socratic manner, prompting students to develop their own answers through guided questioning rather than simply offering solutions.

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