Daily Current Affairs and News Analysis 01-01-2025

Amazon’s Fiery Year

• Brutal Year: 2024 marked a devastating year for the Amazon rainforest, characterized by rampant wildfires and extreme drought. This threatens the biome’s role as a critical climate change counterweight.

• Climate Change Link: A warming climate exacerbated the drought, which in turn fueled the worst fire season since 2005. Fires contributed to deforestation, linked to land clearing for cattle ranching.

• Scale and Importance: The Amazon, twice the size of India, stores vast amounts of CO2 and holds 20% of the world’s fresh water. It possesses immense biodiversity (16,000 tree species).

• Exploitation: Governments have historically prioritized exploitation over sustainability and Indigenous rights, with organized crime increasing this exploitation.

• Tipping Point Concerns: Experts warn the fires and drought could indicate the Amazon is nearing an ecological tipping point.

• Deforestation Reduction (Brazil & Colombia): Brazil saw a 30.6% drop in forest loss. Colombia reported historic lows, but El Nino may impact future figures.

• Illegal Activities: Illegal gold mining and illicit economies drive deforestation, surpassing state budgets for combating them.

• River Levels: The Amazon River reached critically low levels, prompting emergency declarations and aid distribution.

• Indigenous Rights: The UN biodiversity conference (COP16) resulted in a historic agreement for greater Indigenous involvement in conservation.

• Call for Cooperation: Increased cooperation among Amazon countries and global support are crucial for the Amazon’s well-being.

• Critical Year Ahead: 2025, with Brazil hosting a UN climate COP focused on the region, is a critical moment for action.

Stomach Bug: Norovirus

• Outbreak Surge: The US is experiencing a significant increase in Norovirus cases, with 91 cases reported in early December, up from 69 the previous week.

• What it is: Norovirus, often called the “winter vomiting bug” or “stomach flu,” causes acute gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines).

• Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, fever, headaches, and body aches are common. Dehydration can occur in severe cases. Symptoms appear 1-2 days after exposure.

• Transmission: The virus spreads easily through contaminated food, water, and surfaces, primarily via the oral-faecal route.

• Prevention: Frequent handwashing with soap is crucial, especially after using the restroom or changing diapers, and before eating or preparing food. Standard disinfectants and moderate heat (up to 60°C) may not be effective. During outbreaks, use a hypochlorite solution (5,000 ppm) to disinfect surfaces.

• Treatment: The illness is self-limiting, typically lasting 2-3 days. Rest and hydration are the main treatments. Most healthy adults recover without complications.

• Recurring Infection: People can get infected multiple times due to different virus strains.

• Relevance: Similar outbreaks have occurred in India (Kerala), although on a smaller scale.

India’s Infrastructure Rise

• Why in News: India’s infrastructure has significantly transformed in the last 25 years, fueled by increased progress and private sector participation. However, substantial development is still needed to achieve the USD 30 trillion economy goal by 2047.

• Roads and Highways:

  • The road network nearly tripled since 2000, reaching 146,000 km.
  • Toll collections have reached Rs 2.1 trillion, with private corporations receiving Rs 1.4 trillion.
  • The Bharatmala project was shelved, while Vision 2047 was deferred.
• Railways:
  • Slow expansion: only 231 km of new tracks added annually since 2000.
  • India’s first bullet train project is expected to complete by 2026.
• Maritime Sector:
  • Plans to invest Rs 54 trillion to become a top-five shipbuilding nation by 2047.
  • Developing mega ports like Galathea Bay and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.
• Aviation:
  • Weekly domestic flights increased from 3,568 in 2000 to 22,484 in 2024.
• Challenges:
  • Stalled and delayed projects due to red tape and policy shifts.
  • Financial constraints and underutilization of resources.
  • Sluggish progress in railway route expansion and highway project awards.
  • Maritime sector disruptions due to global events.
  • Intense aviation competition led to airline bankruptcies, market consolidation, and monopolistic tendencies.
• Way Forward:
  • Integrated Infrastructure via PM GatiShakti.
  • Safer and Resilient Infrastructure through KAVACH and Advanced Traffic Management System.
  • Incorporating Green Technologies like EVs and renewable energy.
  • Technological Integration such as FASTags and Digiyatra.
  • Policy and Regulatory Reforms to boost private sector investment.

Transformative Change

• Focus on Governance: The IPBES report emphasizes that strong, inclusive, and sustainable governance is crucial for halting biodiversity loss and driving systemic change.

• Urgent Action Needed: The report warns of irreversible ecological damage (coral reefs, rainforests) if fundamental changes in societal interaction with nature are not implemented immediately.

• Economic Benefits: Swift action can unlock USD 10 trillion in business opportunities and create 395 million jobs by 2030, particularly in nature-dependent industries.

• Root Causes: Disconnection from nature, domination over nature and others, concentration of wealth/power, and short-term gains are identified as the underlying drivers of biodiversity loss.

• Five Transformation Strategies:

  • Conserve and regenerate bioculturally diverse areas.
  • Systematically change key sectors (agriculture, fisheries, infrastructure).
  • Transform economic systems toward nature-positive models.
  • Implement adaptive governance systems involving diverse actors.
  • Shift values by promoting human-nature interconnectedness.

• Transformative Change Defined: System-wide reorganization across technology, economy, and society to conserve biodiversity, ensure quality of life, and achieve sustainable development.

• Achieving Transformative Change: Carbon-neutral actions, Earth-positive choices, subsidy reform, precautionary decision-making, and strengthened environmental laws are essential.

• India’s Initiatives: NBAP, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, National Action Plan on Climate Change, FAME, PMUY, Mission LiFE, and AMRUT contribute to transformative change.

• SDGs Alignment: SDGs promote sustainable development through inclusive growth, addressing issues like marine life, climate action, clean energy/water, responsible consumption, and terrestrial life. India’s Smart Cities Mission, Green India Mission, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, PMUY, and National Clean Energy Fund are aligned. India aims for 500GW renewable energy by 2030, via the International Solar Alliance.

Why in News?

• The report highlights the crucial role of effective governance in mitigating biodiversity loss, emphasizing inclusivity and sustainability for long-term systemic change.

Ghost Particle Telescopes

• Underwater Telescopes for Neutrino Detection: Scientists are deploying telescopes, part of the KM3NeT project (ARCA & ORCA), under the Mediterranean Sea to detect high-energy neutrinos.

• Neutrinos: Ghost Particles: Neutrinos are fundamental particles, similar to electrons but with no charge, and the second most abundant in the universe. Billions pass through a cubic centimeter every second.

• Why Study High-Energy Neutrinos? These rare neutrinos originate from exotic cosmic events like supernovae and gamma-ray bursts. Studying them helps investigate space mechanisms and regions obscured by dust, like the Milky Way’s center. They can also provide clues about cosmic ray production and dark matter.

• Challenges in Detection: Neutrinos rarely interact with matter, making detection difficult. Large volumes of transparent material in dark environments are needed.

• Cherenkov Radiation: Detectors look for flashes of Cherenkov radiation produced when neutrinos interact with water or ice molecules. These flashes reveal the neutrino’s path, source, energy, and origin.

• KM3NeT: A European research infrastructure with two detectors (ARCA and ORCA) located in the Mediterranean Sea.

• IceCube Neutrino Observatory: Located in Antarctic ice, it was the first to detect high-energy neutrinos but underwater telescopes may be more efficient due to less light scattering in water.

H-1B Visa Overview

• Political Debate: The H-1B visa program is a subject of ongoing political debate in the US, with figures like Elon Musk supporting its continuation to address STEM talent shortages.
• Program Overview: It allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialized occupations (STEM, IT) requiring at least a bachelor’s degree. It was created in 1990 to fill skill gaps when qualified US workers are unavailable.
• Visa Details: H-1B visas can be issued for a maximum of six years, after which holders must leave the US for 12 months or apply for permanent residency (Green Card).
• Annual Cap: There is an annual cap of 65,000 new H-1B visas, with an additional 20,000 for those with US master’s degrees or higher. Exemptions exist for continued employment, higher education institutions, non-profits, and government research organizations.
• Beneficiaries: Individuals born in India are the largest recipients, accounting for over 70% of approved petitions since 2015. China is second, with 12-13%.
• MAGA Opposition: Critics, including some MAGA Republicans, argue the program is misused by tech companies to hire lower-paid foreign workers instead of Americans. Concerns are raised about potential wage depression for US workers.
• Wage Discrepancies: Data indicates that a significant percentage of H-1B visa holders from India earn less than the median salary for IT professionals in the US.
• Musk’s View: While supporting H-1B visas, Elon Musk acknowledges the program is “broken” and suggests reforms like raising the minimum salary and adding yearly costs to make hiring domestic workers more appealing.
• Skills Gap: Industry insiders maintain that H-1B visas are vital to bridging the skills gap in the US.
• Global STEM Talent: China and India produce a significantly higher number of STEM graduates compared to the US.

T&T

• State of Emergency: Trinidad and Tobago declared a state of emergency due to a surge in violent crime, triggered by gang-related retaliatory attacks using high-calibre firearms.
• Cause of Violence: A recent burst of violence has been attributed to armed gunmen shooting at a known gang leader, followed by retaliatory killings.
• Response: The state of emergency grants police increased powers, including warrantless searches, to target illegal firearms.
• No Curfew or Restrictions: Despite the emergency, no curfew or restrictions on public gatherings have been imposed, and New Year’s celebrations will proceed.
• Carnival Concerns: The state of emergency could extend into the period of Trinidad’s Carnival, a major cultural event.
• Firearms: The country doesn’t manufacture firearms of its own, but over 7,000 firearms were recovered from them between 2018 and 2022 according to CNN. About 75 per cent of these came from the US, according to the GAO.
• Past Emergencies: This is not the first time Trinidad and Tobago has declared a state of emergency, with previous instances in 2011 (drug-related crime), 2014 (spike in violence), and 2021 (COVID restrictions).
• CARICOM Concern: The increased use of high-calibre firearms by criminal gangs is a matter of grave concern across the CARICOM region.
• Parliament Review: Parliament will convene within 15 days to decide whether to extend the State of Emergency.
• Reasons: The government declared a state of emergency due to heightened criminal activity.
• Emergency Powers: Defence forces have powers of the police.
• Holding Period: There is a 48-hour holding period where people can be held under these regulations

Vembanad Lake

• Mega Plastic Cleaning Drive: Alappuzha district administration in Kerala is launching a large-scale plastic cleanup in January 2025 as part of the Vembanad Lake rejuvenation project.
• Lake Rejuvenation Project: The drive is part of ongoing efforts to conserve Vembanad Lake, a Ramsar site and India’s second-largest wetland system.
• Phased Implementation: Cleaning activities will be carried out in phases across all grama panchayats in the Vembanad lake region, starting with 10 identified hotspots.
• Community Involvement: The campaign encourages participation from local self-government institutions, fisher communities, voluntary organizations, Haritha Keralam Mission, Kudumbashree members, and more.
• Value-Added Products: Plans to create value-added products from water hyacinth and other aquatic weeds collected during the cleaning.
• Other Initiatives: The rejuvenation project includes establishing a bio-shield, setting up a Vembanad Lake Interpretation Centre, a yarn museum, bottle booths, promoting community tourism, and stocking fish seeds.
• Awareness Programs: Educational programs will be conducted for fishers, houseboat employees, and residents to highlight the importance of lake conservation.
• Degraded State: A 2023 study revealed the lake’s degraded condition, impacting the livelihoods of approximately eight million people across multiple districts.
• Reduced Water Retention: The lake’s water retention capacity has significantly declined by 85.3% between 1990 and 2020.

B-READY 2024

• B-READY Report 2024 Launched: The World Bank has introduced the Business Ready (B-READY) report, replacing the Ease of Doing Business report, which was discontinued due to data manipulation concerns.

• Purpose of B-READY: It benchmarks the global business environment to promote private sector growth by assessing the regulatory framework, public services, and operational efficiency across a firm’s lifecycle.

• Key Topics: B-READY covers ten core topics: Business Entry, Business Location, Utility Services, Labor, Financial Services, International Trade, Taxation, Dispute Resolution, Market Competition, and Business Insolvency.

• Three Pillars: Assesses Regulatory Framework, Public Services, and Operational Efficiency within each topic.

• Key Themes: Digital Adoption, Environmental Sustainability, and Gender considerations are integrated across the assessment.

• Global Findings: Highlights gaps in public service provision, emphasizes inclusivity across income levels, and acknowledges the importance of digital and

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  environmental practices.

• Recommendations: Includes streamlining business operations, strengthening public services through digital transformation, promoting sustainability and inclusivity, and facilitating peer learning.

• India’s Challenges (GTRI Analysis): India may face challenges and score moderately on parameters like Business Entry, Labour Regulations, and International Trade due to complex procedures, slow implementation of labor codes, customs delays and inconsistent regulations.

• India’s Strengths (GTRI Analysis): India is expected to score well on Quality of Regulations, Effectiveness of Public Services, and Operational Efficiency.

• GTRI’s Caution: India should focus on local reforms while leveraging global insights, and avoid overemphasizing rankings due to its vast and complex economy.

• Global Expansion: Initially covers 50 economies with plans to reach 180 by 2026.

Polio’s Return

• Global Polio Resurgence: WHO identifies poliovirus in multiple countries (Pakistan, Cameroon, European nations). Both wild and vaccine-derived strains are present.
• Detection in Wastewater: Poliovirus detected in wastewater systems in European countries (Finland, Germany, Poland, Spain, UK) and in Pakistan, Cameroon, Cote D’Ivoire, Chad and Nigeria, highlighting the need for vigilance despite no confirmed local circulation in Europe.
• Pakistan Situation: 62 cases of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) reported in Pakistan in 2024, along with positive environmental samples.
• Immunization Gaps: Conflict zones (e.g., Sudan) experience significant drops in vaccination coverage, increasing vulnerability. Subnational immunity levels have been examined to identify any potential gaps and immunization of unvaccinated children is crucial.
• Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus (cVDPV): OPV use linked to cVDPV outbreaks, complicating eradication.
• Shift to IPV Urged: Research emphasizes transitioning to inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), which is non-transmissible and effective against paralysis.
• Debate on Transmission Route: Recent research suggests poliovirus transmission may be primarily respiratory, challenging the traditionally assumed faecal-oral route. Transmission of virulent polioviruses (WPV and cVDPV) is via the respiratory route, like other contagious childhood infectious diseases.
• Arguments Against OPV: Scientists like Dr. Jacob John strongly argue against continued OPV use, stating it is for polio control only, not eradication.
• Urgency of IPV Adoption: Global IPV use and OPV withdrawal are crucial for successful polio eradication.
• Importance of Surveillance & Vaccination: Strong disease surveillance and high levels of routine immunisation coverage are vital. Vaccination of every vulnerable child is essential to ensure that the virus cannot lead to lifelong paralysis or even death

Muslim League & Communalism

• Formation of the Muslim League (1906): Founded in Dhaka to protect Muslim political and religious rights, driven by concerns over representation and Congress’s opposition to the Bengal partition. Preceded by Aligarh Movement for Muslim education and Simla

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  Deputation demanding special representation. Elite Muslim leaders like Nawab Salimullah and Aga Khan were key figures.

• Initial Objectives: Secure separate representation for Muslims in legislative bodies and protect their interests.

• Lucknow Pact (1916): A moment of Congress-Muslim League cooperation, with both parties agreeing to work together for India’s independence. Congress accepted separate electorates for Muslims. This cooperation was signed by leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The pact called for increased Indian representation in legislative and executive councils. However, this also led to the rise of communal politics in India.

• Jinnah’s Leadership: Muhammad Ali Jinnah transformed the League into a mass political force, especially after his Fourteen Points (1929) advocating for Muslim autonomy and safeguards.

• Lahore Resolution (1940): The League, under Jinnah, adopted a stance favoring Partition, demanding “Independent States” for Muslims in majority regions. It became the ideological basis for Pakistan.

• Direct Action Day (1946): Called by the Muslim League, led to widespread communal riots, deepening the Hindu-Muslim divide and accelerating the demand for partition.

• Role in Partition (1947): The League, under Jinnah, led the demand for Pakistan, arguing for fair treatment for Muslims, culminating in the creation of India and Pakistan.

• Communal Politics: Mobilization of a religious community for political power, based on the belief that religious identities equate to shared interests. The British policy of divide and rule helped foster this environment.

• Impact on Communal Politics: The League’s actions, along with other factors, contributed to the rise of communal politics, escalating tensions and culminating in the Partition of India.

• Post-Independence: Communal Politics Challenged Secularism. Acceptance of Violence: Riots and pogroms were observed. Role of social Media in spreading hate speech, and fake news.

Rapid Worlds

• Koneru Humpy Wins World Rapid Championship: Grand Master Koneru Humpy (India) won the 2024 FIDE World Rapid Championship in New York.
• Second Title: Humpy defeated Irene Sukandar (Indonesia) in the final, securing her second World Rapid title. She previously won in 2019.
• Historical Significance: Humpy is the first Indian and only the second player after China’s Wenjun Ju to win the women’s rapid world title more than once.
• Other Indian Performances (Women): D. Harika finished fifth. Divya Deshmukh, Padmini Rout, R. Vaishali, and Vantika Agrawal also participated.
• Open Event Winner: Russia’s Volodar Murzin won the open event with 10 points.
• Russian Domination (Open Event): Alexander Grischuk and Ian Nepomniachtchi, also from Russia, secured second and third places, respectively.
• Arjun Erigaisi (Open Event): The best performing Indian in the open event was Arjun Erigaisi, finishing fifth.
• Time Control: Each round in the World Rapid Championship has a time control of 15 minutes with 10-second increments per move.
• Other Notable Indian Achievements in 2024:
  • D Gukesh became the youngest world champion.
  • India won both the open and women’s sections of the Chess Olympiad in Budapest.

India’s Global Footprint

• Complex Geopolitical Landscape: 2024 was marked by global insecurity and shocks in the neighborhood, posing challenges for Indian foreign policy. Remaining adaptable to change is crucial for 2025.

• China Disengagement: Progress on disengagement at the Line of Actual Control with China was a significant achievement, with the Modi-Xi meeting at Kazan marking a potential turning point after strained relations.

• European Trade: The India-European Free Trade Association agreement was concluded, seen as a model for future trade deals, though progress with Australia, the UK, and the EU stalled.

• Bangladesh Relations Strained: The shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape led to strained relations, marked by concerns over minority attacks and the status of Sheikh Hasina.

• Canada Relations Deteriorated: Tensions escalated with Canada over allegations of Indian involvement in the Nijjar killing, leading to diplomatic repercussions.

• US Challenges & Opportunities: US indictments related to the Adani group and the Pannun assassination plot presented new challenges. However, the election of Donald Trump and his pro-India team could ease relations.

• “Side of Peace” Stance: India maintained a “side of peace” approach in the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Gaza conflicts, calling for an end to civilian casualties.

• West Asia Engagement: With multilateral initiatives faltering, India focused on bilateral engagement with West Asian countries.

• 2025 Priorities: Strengthening ties with the US will be a priority, with potential visits from Trump and Modi. Engagements with Iran and Russia are also on the diplomatic calendar.

Pangong’s Shivaji

• Shivaji Statue Inaugurated: A statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was recently unveiled on the banks of Pangong Tso in eastern Ladakh, at an altitude of 14,300 feet.

• Timing Significance: The unveiling occurred shortly after India and China completed disengagement at Demchok and Depsang, ending a 4.5-year border standoff. This timing adds strategic importance to the event.

• Debate Sparked: The statue has ignited a debate among army veterans and locals on social media.

• Alternative Proposal: A retired Colonel has proposed a statue of Dogra general Zorawar Singh instead, highlighting his historical role in merging Ladakh with the Dogra kingdom. This underscores differing perspectives on who should be commemorated in the region.

• Pangong Tso Context: Pangong Tso is a high-altitude endorheic (landlocked) lake in the Himalayas, situated at 4,350 meters (14,270 ft). It is one of the world’s highest brackish water lakes.

• Geological Formation: The lake’s formation is attributed to tectonic activity during the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates, a process that also created the Himalayas. It occupies the space previously filled by the Tethys Ocean.

• Social Media Stir: The installation and inauguration of the statue by army personnel are being discussed on social media platforms.

Surya Kiran Exercise

• 18th Edition Underway: The 18th Indo-Nepal joint military exercise “Surya Kiran” is currently being held in Saljhandi, Nepal (January 2025). Exercise began January 2025 and will be conducted until January 13.
• Alternating Locations: This annual exercise alternates between India and Nepal. The 17th edition took place in Uttarakhand, India in December 2023.
• Focus on Interoperability: A primary aim is to enhance interoperability between the Indian and Nepali armies.
• Counter-Terrorism Emphasis: The exercise emphasizes Counter-Terrorism (CT) operations.
• Broader Objectives: It also focuses on jungle warfare, mountain operations, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) under the UN Charter.
• Operational Readiness: Improving operational preparedness, aviation aspects, medical training, and environment conservation are key goals.
• Personnel Involved: The Indian Army contingent consists of 334 personnel led by a Battalion from the 11th Gorkha Rifles.
• Bilateral Significance: The exercise strengthens the bond of friendship and common military linkages between India and Nepal, fostering bilateral relations and achieving shared security objectives.
• Recent High-Level Visits: The exercise follows visits by the chiefs of army staff from both India and Nepal, underscoring the importance of military cooperation.
• India-Nepal Relations: Nepal shares a significant border (1,850 km) with India, and their relations are underpinned by the Treaty of Peace and Friendship (1950) and various water-sharing agreements.