Daily Current Affairs and News Analysis 27-01-2025

What it is: The Fiscal Health Index (FHI) is a new report launched by NITI Aayog, assessing the fiscal health of Indian states.

Purpose: To evaluate the fiscal status of states and inform policy reforms for sustainable economic growth.

Methodology: The FHI ranks 18 major states based on a composite index using five sub-indices: Quality of Expenditure, Revenue Mobilization, Fiscal Prudence, Debt Index, and Debt Sustainability.

Key Findings:

• Odisha tops the ranking with a score of 67.8.
• Chhattisgarh and Goa follow Odisha.
• Goa, Telangana, and Odisha lead in revenue mobilization and fiscal prudence.
• Punjab is the lowest-ranked state, with Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Kerala, and Haryana also performing poorly.

Significance: The FHI provides insights into states’ financial management, identifies strengths and weaknesses, and helps policymakers address fiscal imbalances for improved economic stability.

Romesh Thapar v. State of Madras (1950): SC struck down the Madras Maintenance of Public Order Act, protecting free speech under Article 19(1)(a). Restrictions must be narrowly defined and linked to “security of the state,” preventing arbitrary state censorship.

Brij Bhushan v. State of Delhi (1950): SC invalidated prior censorship of a newspaper (Organiser magazine), reinforcing that prior restraint on publication is unconstitutional and restrictions should only be applicable if there is incitement to violence.

Sakal Papers Ltd vs Union of India (1961): SC struck down the Newspaper (Price and Page) Act, protecting freedom of speech under Article 19(1)(a). Restrictions on newspaper pricing and advertisement space were deemed unreasonable interference.

Bennett Coleman & Co. v. Union of India (1973): SC invalidated the Newsprint Control Order, protecting freedom of speech under Article 19(1)(a). Restrictions on the number of pages a newspaper could publish were unreasonable.

Indian Express Newspapers v. Union of India (1985): SC ruled that excessive taxation on newspapers is an attempt to curtail free expression. Any restrictions must be justified under Article 19(2).

Shreya Singhal vs Union of India (2015): SC struck down Section 66A of the IT Act, as it was vague and overly broad, and violated the right to free speech under Article 19(1)(a).

Gunfight with Maoists: At least 12 suspected Maoists were killed in a recent gunfight with security forces within the Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve. This highlights ongoing security concerns and Naxal activity in the region, impacting conservation efforts and local communities.

Location and Connectivity: The reserve is strategically located in Chhattisgarh’s Gariaband district and connects with the Kanker and North Kondagaon forest divisions. This creates a crucial corridor to the Indravati Tiger Reserve, aiding wildlife movement and genetic exchange.

Establishment and Naming: The reserve was formed by merging the Sitanadi and Udanti wildlife sanctuaries, named after the rivers Udanti and Sitanadi.

Area: The total area of the tiger reserve is 1872 sq.km.

Vegetation: The reserve features mixed vegetation, including dry deciduous forests and tropical/sub-tropical vegetation, with Sal forests also present. This diverse habitat supports a wide range of flora and fauna.

Fauna: It is home to tigers, Chital, Wild Buffaloes, Barking Deer, and other animals. Critically, it is a vital refuge for the endangered Wild Buffalo, along with the Indravati Tiger Reserve. This underscores its importance for biodiversity conservation.

Other Tiger Reserves in Chhattisgarh: Besides Udanti Sitanadi, Chhattisgarh has three other tiger reserves: Achanakmar, Indravati, and Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla.

India’s Tiger Population: India has the largest tiger population globally, with 3,167 tigers recorded in the 2022 census. This emphasizes India’s role in global tiger conservation.

• Compromising welfare spending due to focus on deficit reduction.
• Geopolitical tensions impacting trade and fiscal health.
• Volatile capital flows due to rising interest rates in developed economies.
• Rising state deficits exceeding recommended levels.
• Sustaining capital expenditure at 3.2% of GDP.

• Tax reforms and mobilization by improving the tax base.
• Balancing investment with deficit control.
• Monetary and fiscal coordination between the RBI and the government.

ISRO’s Vikas Engine Restart Demonstration: ISRO successfully demonstrated restarting its Vikas liquid engine at a test facility.

• Why: This signifies progress toward reusable launch vehicle technology.

Vikas Engine’s Role: The Vikas engine is a liquid-fuel rocket engine developed by ISRO.

• Why: It’s a crucial component of India’s space launch vehicle program.

Applications in Launch Vehicles: Used in multiple ISRO launch vehicles, including PSLV, GSLV, and LVM3.

• Why: Demonstrates its versatility and importance.

Specific Vehicle Stages: Powers the second stage of PSLV, boosters and second stage of GSLV Mark I and II, and the core stage of LVM3.

• Why: Highlights specific usage within various launch configurations.

Fuel and Oxidizer: Utilizes Unsymmetrical Dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) as fuel and Nitrogen Tetroxide (N2O4) as the oxidizer.

• Why: Provides details of the engine’s operational components.

Statehood Day: Celebrated annually on January 25th.

Significance: Commemorates Himachal Pradesh becoming the 18th state of the Indian Union on January 25, 1971.

Historical Progression:

• April 15, 1948: Established as a Chief Commissioner’s province.
• January 26, 1950: Became a Part C state upon implementation of the Indian Constitution.
• November 1, 1956: Became a Union Territory following the State Reorganisation Commission.
• November 1, 1966: Kangra and other hill areas of Punjab merged with HP, remaining a Union Territory.
• December 18, 1970: State of Himachal Pradesh Act passed by Parliament.

Prime Minister’s Greetings: The Prime Minister of India conveys greetings to the people of Himachal Pradesh on Statehood Day.

Why in News: An RTI query revealed that states have failed to utilize ₹70,744 crore collected under the Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) Act, 1996.

BOCW Act, 1996 Overview: Aims to protect construction workers’ rights, welfare, and working conditions, aligning with ILO standards. It mandates welfare measures like health, education, and social security funded by a 1-2% cess on employers.

Key Concerns:

• Underutilization: Massive unspent cess amounts indicate a failure to provide intended benefits. States like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh have significant unspent balances.
• Cess Evasion: Employers are allegedly evading cess payments, and the lack of cost transparency in construction projects exacerbates the problem.
• Poor Enforcement: The Act’s provisions for accommodation, water, and sanitation are poorly enforced, leaving workers vulnerable.
• Implementation Deficiencies: Most states, excluding Kerala, aren’t fully implementing the Act. Welfare boards are not being reconstituted which could cause funds to be diverted.

Potential Impact of Code on Social Security (CSS) 2020: The CSS might weaken cess collection and reduce worker entitlements by allowing self-assessment of cess and making benefits like accommodation optional.

Way Forward:

• Enhanced Monitoring: Implement independent audits and online platforms to track cess utilization transparently.
• State Accountability: Hold states responsible for Act implementation and effective fund usage, incentivizing performance.
• Review CSS 2020: Revise the Code to maintain mandatory worker entitlements and health coverage.
• Worker Education: Educate workers on their rights under the Act and promote skill development, collaborating with NGOs.

India to Ratify Cape Town Convention (CTC): The Union Cabinet approved a bill to ratify and enforce the CTC, aiming to strengthen India’s aviation framework and align with global standards.

Purpose of CTC: The CTC allows creditors (lessors, lenders, financiers) to repossess aircraft if an airline defaults on lease payments. This speeds up the process and simplifies it.

Key Features of CTC: It establishes an international registry for recording interests in aircraft, ensuring transparency and prioritizing creditors’ claims. It also provides clear remedies for creditors, including the ability to deregister and export aircraft.

Cape Town Protocol’s Role: The Cape Town Protocol, which complements the CTC, sets out specific rules for aircraft financing and leasing.

India’s Current Status: India signed the CTC in 2008 but hasn’t ratified it yet, so the convention’s provisions aren’t legally binding.

Why it Matters: India is the world’s third-largest aviation market. Ratifying the CTC will improve the ease of doing business and attract more investment in the aviation sector by providing greater security for aircraft financiers.

Why in News: The Vice President of India has raised concerns about party whips in Parliament and if it limits independent judgment of elected representatives.

What is a Party Whip? A party whip is a directive issued by a political party to its legislators, instructing them on how to vote on specific matters. The whip is also responsible for ensuring attendance and adherence to these directives.

Objective: Whips aim to maintain party discipline, uniformity in decision-making, and prevent dissent or defections.

Constitutional Status: The role of the whip isn’t mentioned in the Constitution, Rules of the House, or any parliamentary statute. It operates based on parliamentary conventions.

Types of Whips:

• One-Line Whip: Informs members of a vote; abstention is allowed without penalty.
• Two-Line Whip: Mandates presence during a vote, but doesn’t dictate how to vote.
• Three-Line Whip: The strictest form; requires attendance and voting in line with the party’s directive.

Functions:

• Ensures attendance of party members.
• Secures support for or against issues.
• Maintains party discipline.
• Identifies discontent among MPs.
• Facilitates internal party coordination and cohesion.

Violation of Whip: MPs/MLAs who defy a party whip may face expulsion under the Anti-Defection Law, unless two-thirds of the legislators dissent, causing a party split.

Operationalization: The Union Finance Ministry has notified the operationalization of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) as an option under the National Pension System (NPS) for central government employees.

Eligibility: Applicable to central government employees covered under NPS who choose this option. Both current and future employees can opt for UPS or continue with the existing NPS. The decision is final and binding.

Effective Date: April 1, 2025.

Guaranteed Payout: UPS provides a guaranteed payout upon superannuation, offering 50% of the average basic pay (plus Dearness Allowance) drawn during the 12 months prior to retirement (with 25 years of service).

Service Requirement: Employees with 10-25 years of service receive a proportionate pension. A minimum payout of Rs 10,000 per month is assured for employees with 10 or more years of qualifying service.

Voluntary Retirement: Payout for voluntary retirement after 25 years starts from the date of superannuation.

Family Pension: In case of death after superannuation, the spouse receives 60% of the payout. Dearness Relief is applicable on both assured payout and family payout.

Exclusions: Assured payout is not available for removal, dismissal, or resignation.

Contributory Nature: Employees contribute 10% of their basic salary and Dearness Allowance; the government contributes 18.5%.

State Governments: State governments can adopt and implement UPS for their employees.

UPS vs. OPS: Unlike the old pension scheme (OPS), UPS is contributory. Under OPS, employees did not contribute anything.

Family Pension Amount: The UPS provides for family pension benefits, fixed at 60% of the last salary drawn by the deceased employee.

SC Suggestion: Supreme Court suggests using ad hoc judges to tackle High Court criminal case backlogs and revising the 2021 ruling limiting their appointment to specific cases.

Constitutional Basis: Article 224A allows High Court Chief Justices, with Presidential approval and the retired judge’s consent, to appoint retired judges temporarily.

Procedure: The Memorandum of Procedure (MOP) 1998 outlines the appointment process, involving the Chief Justice, Chief Minister, Union Law Minister, Chief Justice of India, Prime Minister, and President. Supreme Court collegium must approve as per the Lok Prahari case (2021).

Initiation Requirements (Lok Prahari, 2021):

• Vacancy >20% of sanctioned judge strength.

• 10% of pending cases are over 5 years old.

• Regular judicial appointment processes must be initiated first.

Selection & Tenure: High Court Chief Justices create panels of retired judges. Tenure typically 2-3 years.

Role & Pay: Ad-hoc judges hear old cases and can’t take other legal work. They receive pay and allowances equal to a permanent judge.

Pendency Crisis: Over 51 million cases pending in Indian courts. Delays cost 1.5-2% of GDP.

Causes of Pendency: Judge shortages, infrastructure gaps, lack of accountability, access to justice barriers.

Initiatives: National Mission for Justice Delivery, e-Courts Project, Tele-Law Programme, ADR Mechanisms, Fast Track Courts.

Way Forward: National Court of Appeal for SLPs, Constitutional/Legal divisions within SC, increasing workdays, dedicated authority for judicial infrastructure (NJIAI).

Controversy at National Games: Kalaripayattu faces a dispute at the 38th National Games in Uttarakhand. The Indian Kalaripayattu Federation accuses the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) of relegating the martial art to the demonstration section.

Historical Context: In 2023, Kalaripayattu was part of the competition section at the 37th National Games in Goa.

What is Kalaripayattu: It’s one of the oldest martial arts globally, focusing on mind and body coordination. Originating in Kerala. The name comes from Malayalam words which means ‘practice in the arts of the battlefield’.

Practices & Techniques: It uses strikes, kicks, weaponry, and healing methods. Practitioners learn physical agility, meditation, and knowledge of vital body points (Marmas).

Styles: There are three main styles: Northern (Vadakkan), Southern (Thekkan), and Central, each with regional differences.

Stages of Training: The four stages are: Maippayattu (body conditioning), Kolthari (wooden weapon training), Angathari (metal weapon training), and Verumkai (bare-hand fighting).

Weaponry: Includes swords, spears, shields, and the Urumi (flexible whip sword).

New Regional Office in Varanasi: The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has established a new regional office in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. This is significant because it expands IWAI’s presence and focus on waterway development in the region.

Focus on Uttar Pradesh Waterways: The Varanasi office will oversee development on the Ganga, its tributaries, and other National Waterways within Uttar Pradesh. This includes rivers like Betwa, Chambal, Gomti, Tons, Varuna, and parts of Gandak, Ghaghra, Karamnasa, and Yamuna. This is important as it signals a targeted effort to improve navigability and infrastructure on these specific waterways.

Coordination with State Authority: The Varanasi office will coordinate with the State IWT Authority of Uttar Pradesh. This collaboration is crucial for effective and aligned development of waterways in the state, avoiding duplication of efforts and ensuring synergy.

IWAI’s Role: IWAI is a statutory body responsible for developing and maintaining inland water transport (IWT) infrastructure on National Waterways. It receives grants from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The new office reinforces this role.

Existing Regional Offices: IWAI has five other regional offices located in Guwahati, Patna, Kochi, Bhubaneswar and Kolkata. The addition of the Varanasi office reflects the growing importance of inland waterways for transportation and economic development.

IWAI Headquarters: Headquartered in Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

Early Iron Age in Tamil Nadu: New research indicates the Iron Age in Tamil Nadu began as early as 3345 BCE, significantly earlier than previously believed.

Global Significance: This discovery challenges the established understanding of the Iron Age’s origins, which were previously attributed to the Hittite Empire around 1300 BCE. Tamil Nadu is now a potential early innovator.

Evidence and Methodology: The findings are based on Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) and Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) analyses of samples from sites like Sivagalai, Adichanallur, and Mayiladumparai.

Timeline Revision: The established timeline for the Iron Age in India, believed to be between 1500 and 2000 BCE, is now being pushed back by over a millennium.

Specific Site Findings:

• Sivagalai: Evidence includes a paddy sample dating to 1155 BCE and charcoal and potsherds ranging from 2953 BCE to 3345 BCE, indicating the earliest evidence of iron technology globally.
• Mayiladumparai: Samples dated to 2172 BCE.
• Kilnamandi: A sarcophagus burial dated to 1692 BCE, representing the earliest of its kind in Tamil Nadu.

Metallurgical Innovations: The study highlights Tamil Nadu’s innovative role in metallurgy, including the discovery of different iron-smelting furnace types, such as circular furnaces that could reach 1,300°C, demonstrating a mastery of iron smelting technology.

Regional Context: The study proposes that the Iron Age in South India was contemporaneous with the Copper Age in North India.

76th Republic Day Commemoration: India celebrated its 76th Republic Day on January 26, 2025.

• Theme: ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’ (Golden India: Heritage and Development).
• Chief Guest: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
• Significance: Marks the adoption of the Indian Constitution on January 26, 1950, establishing India as a republic.

Tri-Services Tableau Debut: Featured synergy between the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

• Theme: ‘Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat’ (Strong and Secure India).
• Showcased indigenous defense technologies.

DRDO Tableau: Displayed cutting-edge innovations for national security.

• Theme: ‘Raksha Kavach–Multi-layer Protection against Multi-domain Threats’.
• Highlighted indigenously developed defense technologies.

State Tableaux: Showcased diverse themes from various states and UTs.

• Included cultural heritage, development, and unique aspects of each region.
• Example: Uttar Pradesh depicted Mahakumbh 2025.

Padma Awards: 139 Padma Awards conferred.

• Categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri.
• Recognized exceptional and distinguished service.

Gallantry Awards and Defence Decorations: President conferred awards to armed forces and CAPF personnel.

• Wartime and Peacetime Awards: Honored bravery in different situations.

Jeevan Raksha Padak Awards: 49 awards recognized civilian bravery in saving lives.

• Categories: Sarvottam, Uttam, and Jeevan Raksha Padak.

Republic Day Significance: Commemorates India’s transition to a sovereign democratic republic.

• Marks the enforcement of the Constitution on January 26, 1950.
• January 26 chosen to honor the Purna Swaraj declaration (1930).

Death Sentence: A 24-year-old woman in India was sentenced to death for poisoning her boyfriend with paraquat in 2022.

What is Paraquat: It is a widely used herbicide (weed killer).

Usage: Used to control weeds and dry crops before harvest.

Hazard Classification: The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies paraquat as moderately hazardous.

Banned in Many Countries: Its sale is banned in over 70 countries (including China and the EU) due to its toxicity. However, it is used in the US and India.

Exposure: Primarily through ingestion, but can also be absorbed through prolonged skin contact.

Symptoms of Poisoning: Vary depending on the amount of exposure. Small amounts lead to organ damage over time. Large amounts can cause acute organ failure, seizures, and respiratory failure. Immediate symptoms include abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, and nausea.

Treatment: There is no known antidote. Immunosuppression or charcoal hemoperfusion are sometimes mentioned as treatments.

Paraquat Degradation: It is completely degraded by soil microorganisms.

Paraquat Poisoning Classification: It is classified into the mild, moderate, and fulminant poisoning.

IWAI Upgrades Varanasi Office: IWAI has upgraded its Varanasi sub-office to a full-fledged Regional Office to improve inland water transport on National Waterway-1 (NW-1), the Ganga River.

Expansion of Regional Network: This expansion marks the sixth regional office for IWAI, demonstrating the organization’s growing footprint across India.

IWAI’s Core Mandate: IWAI is a statutory body responsible for developing, maintaining, and regulating inland waterways for shipping and navigation. This includes infrastructure development, channel maintenance (dredging), and conducting project feasibility studies.

National Waterways Importance: IWAI focuses on developing National Waterways like NW-1 (Prayagraj to Haldia), NW-2 (Sadiya to Dhubri), NW-3, NW-4, and NW-5 to promote inland water transport.

Strategic Importance of NW-1: NW-1, with its strategic location along the Ganga, is a vital route for cargo movement, and enhancing IWAI’s presence in Varanasi directly aids the waterway’s effective operation.

Ministry Oversight: IWAI operates under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

Rare Blooming: A “corpse flower” (Amorphophallus titanium) at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney recently bloomed, attracting over 20,000 visitors. This event is newsworthy because corpse flower bloomings are infrequent and spectacular.

Origin & Name: Native to Sumatra, Indonesia, the plant’s Indonesian name translates to “corpse flower,” hence the common name. Its scientific name is Amorphophallus titanium. The reason for highlighting origin is to contextualize the rarity of the bloom outside its natural habitat. The reason for name highlight is the reason behind the name and the smell its infamous for.

Unique Characteristics: The flower can grow up to 3 meters tall and emits a strong odor of decaying meat. The smell is key, as it explains the plant’s name and attracts pollinators.

Inconsistent Blooms: Corpse flowers bloom irregularly, often only once per decade, sometimes more frequently. The unpredictability of blooming adds to the event’s significance.

Complex Life Cycle: The plant requires a large amount of stored energy to bloom, going through leaf cycles to accumulate it. The bloom only lasts a day. The life cycle is important as it explains the time scale for blooms, making them rare events.

Pollination Strategy: The carrion scent attracts insects that lay eggs in rotting meat, facilitating pollination between male and female flowers. Female flowers open first to prevent self-pollination. Chemicals such as Dimethyl disulfide, Dimethyl trisulfide, 3-Methylbutanal, Dimethyl sulfide and Methanethiol, Methyl thioacetate and Isovaleric acid, are emitted. The pollination is important because it sheds light on adaptation of plant for pollination and reproduction.

Endangered Status: The Amorphophallus titanium is categorized as Endangered by the IUCN. Highlighting this brings attention to conservation concerns.

Not Found in India: Corpse flower is not found in India.

JNPA Aims for Global Ranking: Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) aims to be among the world’s top ports by handling 10 million TEUs annually by 2027. This signifies India’s ambition to enhance its global trade presence.

Record Throughput in 2024: JNPA handled a record 7.05 million TEUs in 2024, operating at over 90% capacity. This indicates strong growth and efficient operations.

Significant Year-on-Year Growth: The port experienced an 11% year-on-year growth in TEU handling. Highlights increasing demand and JNPA’s growing importance in trade.

India’s First Landlord Major Port: JNPA is India’s first major port to fully adopt the landlord port model. Promotes private sector involvement and efficient infrastructure development.

Expansion and Connectivity: Planned satellite port at Vadhavan and dry ports at Jalna and Wardha aim to enhance connectivity and trade efficiency. These expansions will boost JNPA’s capacity and reach.

Strategic Importance: Located in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, JNPA handles a significant portion of India’s maritime trade, with the maritime sector handling 95% of trade by volume. Showcases the port’s crucial role in the national economy.

New Research Focus: A recent study highlights Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA) as a life-threatening fungal infection, particularly affecting TB survivors among tea plantation workers in Assam.

Cause: CPA is caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, a fungus that commonly affects individuals with weakened immune systems or pre-existing lung damage.

Lung Disease: It is a chronic lung disease that commonly occurs in pre-existing lung cavities.

Association with TB: CPA often occurs in post-TB or active TB patients and shares similar clinical features with TB, making diagnosis challenging.

Not Contagious: CPA cannot be transmitted from person to person.

Symptoms: Early stages may be asymptomatic. Later symptoms include coughing up blood (most common), unintentional weight loss, fatigue, shortness of breath, and wheezing.

Treatment: Primarily treated with antifungal medications. Surgery to remove fungal masses is also an option.

Aspergillus: Aspergillus fungi are widespread in the environment (soil, decaying vegetation). While most species are harmless, some are opportunistic pathogens in humans.

Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis (IPA): IPA is a related infection that predominantly affects immunocompromised patients and has a high mortality rate.