Daily Current Affairs and News Analysis 15-01-2025

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Rupee’s Slide

  • Rupee at All-Time Low: The Indian Rupee (₹) has reached a record low against the US Dollar ($), currently trading at approximately 86.63. This indicates a significant decline in the rupee’s value.

  • Recent Depreciation: The rupee has depreciated by roughly 3.2% against the dollar in the past three months.

  • Causes of Depreciation:

    • A strong US dollar, fueled by robust economic data.
    • Rising global crude oil prices.
    • Selling by foreign investors in the Indian equity market, leading to capital outflows.

  • Economic Impacts:

    • Increased Import Costs: A weaker rupee makes imports more expensive, which increases the import bill. This can drive up inflation, especially impacting sectors dependent on imported goods (like energy, electronics).
    • Trade Deficit: A higher import bill worsens the trade deficit.
    • Impact on Exports: Export-oriented sectors like pharmaceuticals, textiles, and IT can benefit from improved revenues in rupee terms, making exports more competitive.
    • Sectoral Impacts: Import-dependent industries face negative impacts. Companies with foreign debt see increased servicing costs.
    • Other Impacts: Higher education costs abroad become more expensive for students. The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) efforts to control inflation become harder and the chances of rate cut reduces due to slump in GDP.

NBFGR Explained

  • National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR): Established in December 1983 under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Permanent infrastructure developed in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh in 1999.
  • Mandate: Research on conservation of fish germplasm resources in India.
  • Vision: Assessment and conservation of fish genetic resources for intellectual property protection, sustainable utilization and future generations.
  • Activities: Identification, documentation, and conservation of genetic diversity of fish species to maintain healthy fish populations.
  • Capabilities: Database development, genotyping, registration of aquatic germplasm, gene banking, and evaluation
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    of endangered and exotic fish.
  • Gene Banks: NBFGR operates gene banks for long-term conservation of genetic resources, especially for threatened or endangered fish species, for future use.
  • Why it matters (in news): NBFGR plays a crucial role in preserving India’s fish biodiversity, which is essential for sustainable aquaculture and food security, especially in light of the increasing importance of aquaculture globally (supplying over half of seafood consumed).

Sada: A Deep Dive

  • What is Sada? Flat-topped, eroded landforms in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, similar to plateaus. Local name for a large, flat area.

  • Monsoon Transformation: Sada are barren for most of the year, but they transform into biodiversity hotspots during the monsoon season.

  • Unique Flora: Rocky terrain supports unique, endemic plant life that flourishes during the monsoon.

  • Water Conservation: Lateritic soil acts as a rainwater catchment, recharging groundwater.

  • Rich Biodiversity: Sada harbor diverse wildlife, including plants (459 species, 105 endemic), reptiles (31 species), amphibians (13 species), birds (169 species), and mammals (41 species).

  • Geoglyphs: The area contains ancient geoglyphs, estimated to be around 10,000 years old, indicating historical significance.

C. elegans Unveils Biology

  • C. elegans: A Nobel Prize Powerhouse: The roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans has been instrumental in multiple Nobel Prize-winning discoveries, significantly advancing biological understanding.

  • 2024 Nobel Prize: Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun won for discovering microRNAs and their role in gene expression. This highlights the importance of small RNAs in regulating biological processes.

  • GFP Revolution: Osamu Shimomura, Martin Chalfie, and Roger Tsien’s work on Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) enabled live-cell imaging, transforming how scientists visualize and study biological processes within living organisms.

  • RNAi Breakthrough: Andrew Fire and Craig Mello’s discovery of RNA interference (RNAi) provided a powerful gene-silencing tool, leading to potential therapeutic applications by targeting specific genes.

  • Programmed Cell Death: Sydney Brenner’s research using C. elegans contributed significantly to understanding the mechanisms of programmed cell death (apoptosis), a crucial process in development and disease.

  • About C. Elegans: It is a tiny invertebrate , measuring just 1 mm in length , and transparent nematode that are unsegmented, cylindrical, and often microscopic organisms and a major component of soil and sediment ecosystems.

India Army Day 77th

  • Significance: Celebrated annually on January 15th to mark the appointment of General K.M. Cariappa as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in 1949, succeeding British General Sir F.R.R. Bucher. This event symbolized India’s post-independence military leadership transition.

  • Theme: The theme for the 77th Army Day (2025) is “Samarth Bharat, Saksham Sena” (Capable India, Empowered Army), reflecting the army’s role in India’s development.

  • Venue: Pune hosts the Army Day parade for the first time, highlighting its importance as a military hub, home to Southern Command, the National Defence Academy (NDA), and DRDO facilities. This represents a shift in venue to showcase military strength beyond Delhi.

  • Year of Defence Reforms (2025): The government has designated 2025 as the “Year of Defence Reforms.” This initiative aims to integrate theatre commands, improve tri-services collaboration, simplify military procurement, and foster indigenous defense capabilities, indicating a focus on modernizing and strengthening the armed forces.

Shikari Devi Sanctuary

  • Location and Altitude: Situated in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, covering altitudes from 1,800 to 3,400 meters in the Himalayas.

  • Ecological Transition: Exhibits a diverse range of vegetation, transitioning from pine forests to oak forests and ultimately to alpine meadows.

  • Sacred Significance: Named after the goddess Shikari Devi, with a temple dedicated to her at 2850m. The site is considered sacred by Hindus.

  • Sanctuary Establishment: Declared a sanctuary in 1962, encompassing an area of 7,200 hectares around the temple.

  • Floral Diversity: Boasts seven distinct forest types due to altitudinal variation: Alpine Pasture, Sub-alpine Forest, Moist Temperate Deciduous Forest, West Himalayan Upper Oak/Fir Forest, Kharsu Oak Forest, Western Mixed Coniferous Forest, and Ban Oak Forest.

  • Faunal Richness: Home to a variety of animals and birds, including goral, monal, black bear, barking deer, musk deer, and cat leopard. Other species include Himalayan palm civet, marten, Indian porcupine, Kashmiri flying squirrel, common langur, leopard, and potential snow leopard presence.

  • Temple History: The temple is believed to date back to the Mahabharata era, dedicated to Shikari Devi, the Goddess of hunters. Historically, hunters would seek her blessings for successful hunts.

Indian Genome Data

  • Launch of Indian Genomic Data (IGD) Set: India launched a comprehensive genomic data set of 10,000 whole genome sequencing samples under the GenomeIndia Project (GIP).

  • Accessibility: The dataset is archived at the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) and accessible to global researchers.

  • FeED Protocols: Framework for Exchange of Data Protocols (FeED) ensures ethical and secure sharing of genomic data under Biotech-PRIDE Guidelines.

  • GenomeIndia Project (GIP): Aims to map the genetic diversity of India by sequencing genomes from diverse population groups. The second phase focuses on disease-specific genome sequencing.

  • Significance of GIP: Addresses India’s unique genetic makeup, including rare diseases and mutations not found in global databases.

  • Personalized Medicine: IGD enables tailored healthcare solutions that account for India’s genetic diversity, improving treatment effectiveness.

  • Bioeconomy Growth: IGD fuels India’s bioeconomy, reducing dependence on foreign databases and positioning India as a genomic innovation hub.

  • Enhanced Genetic Tools: Facilitates the creation of genomic tools and diagnostic tests specific to regional genetic variations.

  • Agricultural and Environmental Research: Provides insights into genetic diversity for improved crop breeding and environmental sustainability.

  • Other Initiatives: India has various biotechnology development initiatives like the BioE3 Policy,

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    National Biopharma Mission, and Biotech-KISAN Scheme. IndiGen Project is another initiative mapping genetic makeup for disease susceptibility.

Indian Genome Data

India’s Warming Crisis

  • Record Global Temperature: 2024 is confirmed as the warmest year on record, with global average surface temperature 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels. The past decade is the warmest on record.
  • Ocean Heat: Oceans absorbed record heat, highlighting their crucial role in storing excess heat from global warming.
  • India’s Warming: India’s temperature increase (0.65°C above normal in 2024) is lower than the global average (1.55°C), but still significant (1.2°C higher than 1901-1910 average). Concerns exist about the accuracy of global climate models for India.
  • Reasons for Lower Warming in India: Geographic location in the tropics, the cooling effect of aerosols and pollution, altitude variations, and less pronounced albedo effect contribute to relatively lower warming.
  • Consequences of Rising Global Temperatures: Sea level rise, intensified droughts and heatwaves, biodiversity loss, disrupted food production, worsened air quality, and increased disease spread.
  • Improving Observation in India: Expansion of weather stations, enhanced computing capabilities, regular impact assessments, strengthening Mission Mausam, and localized impact studies are needed.
  • Way Forward: Six-sector approach to cut emissions, reforestation and afforestation, energy efficiency, and sustainable agriculture are essential.

People on the Move

  • Significant Internal Migration: 37% of India’s population were internal migrants in 2011, increasing from 31% in 2001. A recent report indicates a slowing trend.

  • Rural-Urban Dominance: The primary migration flow is from rural to urban areas, driven by better employment in the informal sector, and pushed by issues like poverty, unemployment, and environmental degradation in rural regions.

  • Destination States: States with higher per capita Net State Domestic Product, like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Haryana, and Punjab, attract more migrants.

  • Source States: States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Odisha send a significant number of migrants.

  • Regional Patterns: Kerala, similar to the Gulf countries, now attracts internal migrants. Uttarakhand shows significant emigration from hill districts due to lack of opportunities, creating “ghost villages”.

  • Remittances and Left-Behind Women: Remittances from migrants improve the lives of those left behind. Studies are also focusing on the experiences of women in migrant households and the “feminisation of agriculture/labor”.

  • Challenges in Receiving States: Increasing in-migration strains resources like housing, water, sanitation, health, and education. Urban poverty and the informal economy require active management.

  • Limited Upward Mobility: Caste and class hierarchies from source regions often persist, making upward mobility difficult for marginalized migrant groups. They often lack social protection.

  • Policy Initiatives: Existing policies like the Unorganized Workers’ Social Security Act 2008, aim to improve opportunities and protection for migrant workers, but require effective implementation.

Rat-Hole Mining

  • What it is: Rat-hole mining is an unsafe and rudimentary coal extraction method. It involves digging narrow tunnels where workers crawl to extract coal. There are two types: side-cutting (following coal seams on slopes) and box-cutting (digging pits and horizontal tunnels).

  • Why it’s banned:

    • Safety: Extremely hazardous, with risks of flooding, collapse, and poor air quality.
    • Environmental Damage: Leads to land degradation, deforestation, and water pollution (acidification, heavy metals).
    • Lack of Regulation: The government has limited control, especially in Sixth Schedule states like Meghalaya where the Coal Mines Nationalisation Act doesn’t apply. Landowners often own the mineral rights.
    • Child Labor & Human Trafficking: Historically associated with exploitation of vulnerable workers.

  • Context: The Supreme Court has raised concerns about the situation, with ongoing rescue efforts after a mine flooding in Assam. The practice was banned in Meghalaya in 2014, yet the state government faces pressure to legalize it.

  • Economic Factors: In Meghalaya, thin coal seams make rat-hole mining more economically appealing than open-cast mining. Low-cost labor from Assam, Nepal and Bangladesh is used.

  • History: The practice boomed after Meghalaya’s statehood. The ban followed environmental and human rights concerns highlighted by NGOs and the National Green Tribunal.

AEC Reconstitution

  • Reconstitution: The government has recently reconstituted the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC).

  • Key Personnel: Ajit Kumar Mohanty (Secretary, DAE) is the Chairman. National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is a key member.

  • AEC’s Role: Formulates policies for peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Promotes advancements in nuclear technology, healthcare, food security, and energy independence.

  • Historical Context: Established in 1948 and restructured in 1958 under the Prime Minister’s direct charge.

  • Leadership Structure: The Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) serves as the ex-officio Chairman, with other members appointed annually with Prime Ministerial approval.

Pavana River

  • Location: Pavana River is in Pune District, Maharashtra, dividing Pune City and Pimpri-Chinchwad. This geographical significance makes it crucial for the region’s water supply and development.
  • Origin & Course: It originates in the Western Ghats near Lonavala, flows eastward then southward through Dehu, Chinchwad, Pimpri, and Dapodi. Its path through populated areas highlights its direct impact on local communities.
  • Confluence: It joins the Mula River, which later merges with the Mutha River, forming the Mula-Mutha. The Mula-Mutha then drains into the Bhima River, a tributary of the Krishna River. This connection to larger river systems emphasizes its role in the regional water network.
  • Length: Approximately 60 km long. Its limited length, combined with its importance as a water source, emphasizes the need for sustainable management.
  • Pavana Nagar Dam: A dam is built on the river at Pavana Nagar, called “Pavana Nagar Dam”. This dam is crucial for water storage. It’s an earth fill gravity dam of 1,329 m long and 42.37 m high, holding 30,500.00 km3. This is vital for water management and supply.
  • Purpose of Dam: The dam provides drinking water to Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Its role in supplying drinking water makes it critical for public health.
  • Pawna Lake: Created in 1972 by the Pawana Dam for irrigation and hydroelectric power. This emphasizes its multipurpose use.
  • Wagheshwar Temple: Located on an island within Pawna Lake. This adds a cultural or tourism aspect to the river’s significance.

FRA 2006: Tribal Ministry Directive

  • Ministry Directive: The Tribal Ministry directed states to establish mechanisms for Forest Rights Act (FRA) compliance in tiger reserves, addressing unlawful evictions.
  • FRA Compliance: Evictions are prohibited without legal recognition of rights under FRA and Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
  • Consent for Relocation: Relocation requires free, informed consent of Gram Sabhas; settlement rights must be provided. States must report on tribal villages and forest rights claim status in tiger reserves.
  • Grievance Redressal: States must establish systems to address eviction-related grievances.
  • Implementation Challenges:
    • Resistance to Rights: Forest Department resists FRA, seeing it as a threat to their control.
    • Technological Issues: Poor internet and low literacy hinder digital platform (VanMitra) use.
    • Conflicting Laws: FRA clashes with the Indian Forest Act, 1927 and Wildlife Protection Act,1972.
    • High Rejection Rates: Claims rejected due to inadequate documentation without appeal opportunities.
    • Underperforming Gram Sabhas: Lack capacity, resources, training; local elites dominate.
    • Development Conflicts: Development projects lead to evictions.
  • Way Forward:
    • Address Resistance: Form tribal bodies, foster dialogue with forest departments, align conservation with FRA. Amend conflicting laws.
    • Improve Tech: Enhance connectivity, training, and simplify documentation.
    • Balance Development: Respect community rights in development projects. Promote co-management.
    • Inclusive Decision-Making: Ensure Gram Sabha inclusion for marginalized groups.
    • Enhance Awareness: Launch FRA awareness campaigns. Build Gram Sabha capacity.

The directive is significant because it aims to protect the rights of forest-dwelling communities against unlawful evictions, particularly in tiger reserves, reinforcing the FRA’s provisions and addressing concerns over its implementation.

Purulia Observatory

  • New Observatory in Purulia, West Bengal: A new observatory has been established on Panchet Hill in Purulia, equipped with a 14-inch telescope.
  • Strategic Location: The observatory is situated at 600 meters above ground level, around 86° E longitude.
  • Filling a Longitudinal Gap: There are few observatories along the 86° East longitude globally, making this observatory significant. This strategic location will enhance observational coverage.
  • Focus on Scientific Observation and Training: It will facilitate astronomical observations and provide hands-on training to students in telescope operation and data recording.
  • Major Observatory: The observatory has the potential to become a major scientific hub not only in eastern India but globally as well.
  • Other Indian Observatories: The article mentions other major observatories in India, including ARIES Observatory (Nainital), Vainu Bappu Observatory (Kavalur), and the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) in Hanle.
  • IAO Hanle is the Highest: The Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) in Hanle, Ladakh, is the second-highest optical telescope in the world, situated at 4,500 meters.

Purulia Observatory

Chimp Conservation

  • Cameroon Sanctuary in the News: Papaye International, a chimpanzee sanctuary in Cameroon’s Douala-Edea National Park, is highlighted for its work with orphaned chimpanzees. This draws attention to the ongoing conservation efforts needed for this species.

  • Endangered Status: Chimpanzees ( Pan troglodytes ) are classified as Endangered by the IUCN, with the Western chimpanzee subspecies considered Critically Endangered. This underscores the urgency of conservation actions.

  • Subspecies Diversity: Four recognized subspecies exist (Central, Western, Nigeria-Cameroon, and Eastern chimpanzees), each facing unique threats and requiring tailored conservation strategies.

  • Cultural Significance: Chimpanzees exhibit culturally learned behaviors, including tool use and communication, demonstrating the importance of preserving not only their genetic diversity but also their cultural heritage.

  • Threats to Chimpanzees: Habitat destruction and hunting are identified as major threats to both genetic and cultural diversity, emphasizing the need for habitat protection and anti-poaching measures.

  • Cameroon’s Role: Cameroon’s diverse geography and location in Central Africa make it a critical area for chimpanzee conservation, but also puts chimpanzees at the risk of mining as mining can lead to habitat destruction

Power DISCOM Privatization

  • SC Upholds Privatization in Chandigarh: The Supreme Court supported the government’s decision to privatize power distribution in Chandigarh, reinforcing the push for privatization.
  • High AT&C Losses: India’s Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses remain high (17.6% in FY24), pointing to theft and unbilled supply issues. This impacts DISCOM financial health.
  • Systemic Inefficiencies: Billing (87%) and collection (97.3%) inefficiencies reduce revenue and worsen DISCOM finances.
  • Escalating Financial Strain: The gap between the average cost of supply (ACS) and average realizable revenue (ARR) is widening, increasing debt and reliance on subsidies.
  • Subsidy Burden: The power distribution sector deficit widened significantly, reflecting unsustainable financial management.
  • Rising Power Demand & Costs: Increased power demand and reliance on costly fuel imports strain public DISCOMs.
  • Demonstrated Success: Delhi’s privatization led to a significant reduction in AT&C losses, saving the government money.
  • Ineffectiveness of Public Reforms: Schemes like UDAY have had limited success; private involvement is seen as necessary for improvements.
  • Employee Resistance: Job security concerns lead to resistance from DISCOM employees.
  • Legal & Regulatory Complexities: Compliance with laws and uncertainty surrounding privatization creates challenges.
  • Tariff Concerns: Post-privatization tariff hikes can lead to consumer backlash.
  • Lack of Transitional Support: Insufficient financial and operational support can lead to privatization failures.
  • Government Support Schemes: UDAY and RDSS aim to improve DISCOM finances and reduce losses. IPDS focuses on urban infrastructure.
  • Collaborative Engagement Needed: Governments must engage with stakeholders to address concerns for smooth transitions.
  • Strengthen Regulatory Framework: Empowering regulatory commissions to enforce transparent tariffs is crucial.
  • Gradual Tariff Rationalization: Phased tariff adjustments and subsidies can maintain affordability.
  • Infrastructure Upgradation: Modernizing grids and introducing smart metering is essential for improved service.

Falcated Duck

  • What: Falcated Duck (also called falcated teal, Mareca falcata) is a gadwall-sized dabbling duck.
  • Distribution: Native to eastern Siberia, Mongolia, and northern Japan, wintering in Southeast Asia and eastern India. Rare sightings reported in America, Poland, and Thailand.
  • Habitat: Freshwater lakes, ponds, rivers, and marshes near forests.
  • Diet: Primarily herbivorous; vegetable matter, seeds, rice, aquatic plants. Occasionally eats invertebrates and mollusks.
  • Breeding: May to early July. Nests on the ground near water.
  • Indian Sightings: Irregular and rare.
  • Threats: Hunting for food and feathers.
  • Conservation Status: IUCN Near Threatened.
  • Etymology: Named for its long, curved (“falcated”) feathers.
  • Relation to Gadwall: Closely related to the Gadwall duck due to similarities.
  • Breeding Site: Lake Baikal, Siberia.

India on UN Big Data Panel

  • India Joins UN-CEBD: India has become a member of the United Nations Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics (UN-CEBD).
  • Significance: This signifies India’s growing influence in global statistical frameworks, following its induction into the United Nations Statistical Council (UNSC).
  • What is UN-CEBD: A specialized UN body established in 2014 to leverage Big Data and data science for strengthening global statistical systems.
  • Objectives of UN-CEBD:
    • Explore Big Data’s role in monitoring Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
    • Address challenges in using non-traditional data sources for official statistics.
  • Key Functions of UN-CEBD:
    • Strategic Coordination: Provide vision for utilizing big data in official statistics, including tracking SDG indicators.
    • Promotion of Big Data Use: Encourage practical applications of big data, including cross-border data, while addressing challenges.
    • Capacity Building: Enhance capabilities through training, experience-sharing, and technical assistance to modernize statistical systems.
    • Building Public Trust: Establish public confidence in the use of big data for official statistical purposes.
  • What is Big Data: Large, complex datasets that traditional systems cannot efficiently handle, enabling improved decision-making and enhanced development.
  • India’s Big Data Initiatives: National Data & Analytics Platform (NDAP), Big Data Management Policy, National Data Warehouse on Official Statistics.
  • Why this matters: India can now contribute to and benefit from global efforts to improve official statistics using big data, particularly for tracking progress on the 2030 Agenda.

Golden Langur

  • Why in News: A Golden Langur was killed in an accident on National Highway 117 in Assam, highlighting the increasing dangers faced by the species.

  • Endangered Status: The Golden Langur is listed as Endangered by the IUCN and protected under CITES Appendix I and Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act (Amendment) 2022.

  • Geographic Range: Found exclusively in a small region of Assam (India) and Bhutan, bordered by the foothills of Bhutan, the Manas River, the Sankosh River, and the Brahmaputra River.

  • Habitat: Subtropical and temperate broadleaf forests, from near sea level to over 3,000 meters.

  • Physical Description: Golden-orange fur (changes with seasons), black hairless face with a pale beard, and a protective hair whorl on the crown. Males are larger than females.

  • Behavior: Diurnal and arboreal, living in troops of 3-15 individuals (typically one male with multiple females, or all-male groups).

  • Subspecies: Possibly two subspecies based on coat color (northern Bhutan and southern Bhutan/India), but the northern one isn’t formally described.

  • Threats: Habitat fragmentation due to road construction, deforestation, and human-wildlife conflict is a major concern, leading to isolated populations and impacting the species’ long-term survival. Absence of all-male groups due to fragmentation is worrisome.

  • Conservation Measures: Crucial to create corridors to connect fragmented habitats, build canopy bridges, and implement long-term strategies to mitigate human impacts.

Turmeric Board

  • National Turmeric Board Established: A new board will provide leadership and coordination for the turmeric sector.

  • Objectives: Focuses on R&D, value addition, promoting medicinal properties, improving yield, supply chains, and exploring international markets. Ensures quality and safety standards.

  • Composition: Includes representatives from government ministries (AYUSH, Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture, Commerce), top turmeric-growing states (Maharashtra, Telangana, Meghalaya), research institutions, farmers, and exporters. A Chairperson will be appointed by the Central Government, and a Secretary by the Department of Commerce.

  • Headquarters: Nizamabad, Telangana.

  • India’s Turmeric Dominance: India produces over 70% of the world’s turmeric with 30 varieties grown. Key producing states include Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

  • Key Export Markets: Bangladesh, UAE, USA, and Malaysia.

  • Nodal Ministry: The Ministry of Commerce will provide funds and infrastructure.

  • Why It Matters: Turmeric has significant economic potential for Indian farmers. The board aims to boost demand, production, research, market linkages, and exports.

Bhargavastra Explained

  • Bhargavastra: India’s first indigenous micro-missile system designed to counter swarm drone threats.

  • Developer: Economic Explosives Ltd.

  • Capabilities:

    • Mobile deployment, 2.5 km range.
    • Detects small drones beyond 6 km.
    • Uses guided micro-munitions for takedown.
    • Simultaneously fires 64+ micro-missiles.
    • All-terrain, including high-altitude, operation.

  • Target User: Designed for Army Air Defence. It is the first counter-drone system utilizing micro-missiles.

  • Swarm Drone Threat: Addresses the growing threat of drone swarms (Smart War-Fighting Array of Reconfigured Modules). Swarms coordinate multiple drones for cooperative missions with minimal human control.

  • Swarm Drone Advantage: Efficient and robust due to parallel task completion, continued operation despite individual drone failure.

  • Swarm Drone Control: Can be preprogrammed, centrally controlled, or use distributed control through drone-to-drone communication.

  • Why It Matters:

    • Indigenous solution enhances India’s defense capabilities against emerging drone warfare tactics.
    • Addresses the increasing threat posed by coordinated drone swarms which could cripple important Indian Defence and strategic intallations.
    • It is first of its kind micro-missile based counter-drone system, for Indian Armed forces.

Telecom Tech Fund

  • What: Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF)

  • Parent Organization: Established under the Universal Services Obligation Fund (USOF), Department of Telecom (DOT), Government of India.

  • Aim: To promote R&D in the telecom sector, particularly for rural-specific communication technology applications. It also aims to foster collaboration between academia, startups, research institutes, and industry players to strengthen the telecom ecosystem.

  • Objectives:

    • Funding research, design, prototyping, testing, IPR creation, security, certification, and manufacturing in telecom.
    • Promoting indigenous technology ownership and manufacturing.
    • Encouraging technology co-innovation.
    • Reducing telecom imports and increasing exports.
    • Creating intellectual property in the telecom domain.

  • Eligibility:

    • Domestic companies focused on telecom R&D.
    • Startups / MSMEs
    • Academic and R&D institutions
    • Section 8 companies/Societies
    • Central & State government entities/PSUs/Autonomous Bodies/SPVs/Limited liability partnerships – with a focus on telecom research and development

Utricularia

  • Discovery in Rajasthan: A rare carnivorous plant, Utricularia, has been found in significant numbers in Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan.

  • Rarity and Habitat: Typically found in regions like Meghalaya and Darjeeling, this indicates a shift in habitat or a previously undetected presence.

  • What it is: Utricularia, or bladderworts, are carnivorous plants from the Lentibulariaceae family.

  • Diverse Habitats: They thrive in various environments, including freshwater, wet soils, and tropical rainforest canopies.

  • Unique Trapping Mechanism: Lacking a root system, they use small bladder-like traps to capture prey. When triggered, the bladder rapidly sucks in water and the prey.

  • Diet and Nutrient Acquisition: They feed on small invertebrates like protozoa, rotifers, and even mosquito larvae, extracting nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from them, which are scarce in their habitats.

  • Attractive Flowers: Utricularia species are known for their attractive and often colorful flowers.

Army Day 2025

  • Significance of the Day: Indian Army Day is celebrated annually on January 15th to commemorate the day General K.M. Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in 1949.

  • 2025 Parade Location: Pune will host the Army Day parade, a historic first, reflecting the government’s decision to hold national events outside Delhi.

  • Context of Pune as Host: Pune’s selection highlights its strategic importance as the home of the Southern Command and major defense training institutions.

  • Military Training Hub: Pune houses key defence establishments such as the National Defence Academy, Armed Forces Medical College, and College of Military Engineering, among others, positioning the city as a global hub for military training.

  • 2025: Year of Defence Reforms: India has declared 2025 the Year of Defence Reforms, emphasizing integrated theatre commands to improve tri-services coordination and streamlining military procurement for a technologically advanced force.

Zombie Deer Disease Explained

  • Zombie Deer Disease (Chronic Wasting Disease – CWD): A fatal neurological disease affecting deer, elk, moose, and reindeer.
  • Cause: Infectious, misfolded proteins called prions, which induce misfolding in other brain proteins, leading to brain damage and spongy holes in brain tissue.
  • Transmission: Highly contagious via bodily fluids (saliva, feces, blood, urine) through direct contact or environmental contamination. Prions persist in the environment (soil, water, plants) for years.
  • Symptoms: Long incubation period (18-24 months). Later signs include: progressive weight loss, decreased social interaction, loss of awareness, loss of fear of humans, increased drinking/urination, excessive salivation.
  • Treatment: No vaccine or treatment exists; CWD is always fatal.
  • Human Risk: No confirmed cases of human transmission, but experts advise caution.
  • Prion Destruction: Requires extreme heat (900°F and above) for sustained periods to denature the prion and prevent further misfolding of proteins.