Daily Current Affairs and News Analysis 04-01-2025

Thorium Power

• Strategic Partnership: NTPC (India) and CCTE (US) collaborate to develop and deploy ANEEL, a thorium-based fuel.

• ANEEL Fuel: A blend of thorium and HALEU (High Assay Low Enriched Uranium), designed for PHWRs (Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors). Named after Dr. Anil Kakodkar.

• Why ANEEL?

  • Compatibility: ANEEL can be used in existing Indian PHWRs.
  • Ease of Deployment: Offers a quicker route to thorium utilization compared to traditional methods.

• ANEEL Benefits:

  • Efficiency: Significantly higher burn-up efficiency compared to natural uranium.
  • Waste Reduction: Reduces fuel bundle requirements and waste volume.
  • Non-Proliferation: Thorium and spent ANEEL fuel are non-weaponizable.
  • Economic & Environmental: Reduces operating costs and aligns with clean energy goals.

• Thorium Reactors:

  • Fuel: Use thorium-232, a fertile material, along with a fissile material like uranium-235 or plutonium-239.
  • Advantages: Less long-lived radioactive waste, enhanced safety, recycling potential, and efficient fuel utilization.
  • Challenges: High extraction costs, dependence on fissile materials, and limited operational experience.

• India’s 3-Stage Nuclear Program:

  • Goal: To utilize India’s thorium reserves.
  • Stages: PHWRs (Uranium) -> FBRs (Plutonium & breed U-233) -> Thorium-based reactors (U-233 & Thorium).

• Significance for India’s Energy Strategy: ANEEL provides a pathway to utilize India’s abundant thorium reserves, contributing to energy security and sustainability. The 3-stage program envisions a gradual transition to thorium-based power generation for long-term energy needs.

LEADS 2024

• LEADS 2024: 6th Edition. This report, inspired by the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index, assesses logistics efficiency across Indian states and UTs.

• Four Key Pillars Evaluated. The report benchmarks states on Logistics Infrastructure, Logistics Services, Operating & Regulatory Environment, and Sustainable Logistics.

• Focus on Initiatives and Opportunities. LEADS 2024 spotlights state-level actions and identifies areas for improvement to aid informed decision-making.

• Coastal Group Achievers: Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu lead in coastal logistics performance.

• Landlocked Group Achievers: Haryana, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand are top performers in landlocked states.

• North-Eastern Group Achievers: Assam and Arunachal Pradesh stand out in the North-Eastern region.

• Union Territories Achievers: Chandigarh and Delhi are recognized as achievers among UTs.

• Sustainable Logistics Emphasized. This edition includes Sustainable Logistics as a key pillar, reflecting the importance of environmentally responsible practices. It balances operational efficiency with environmental responsibility, minimizing the environmental impact of logistics processes.

Royal Banded Beauty

• Banded Royal Butterfly Spotted: The Banded Royal Butterfly ( Rachana jalindra ), a species of lycaenid or blue butterfly, has been observed, indicating its presence in its habitat.

• Habitat: The butterfly is typically found in forests, especially near the Western Ghats, Northeast India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, and Malaysia, preferring dense vegetation.

• Subspecies: Three subspecies exist in India: R. j. macantia, R. j. tarpina, and R. j. indra. R. j. indra has been recorded from Assam, Meghalaya, and Jharkhand.

• Appearance: Males exhibit a purple or bluish sheen with dark brown borders, while females are more brownish with white markings on the upper side. The underside is pale brown with distinct white bands.

• Legal Protection: The butterfly is protected under Schedule II of the Indian Wildlife (Protected) Act, 1972. This means it is recognized as needing protection due to potential threats.

• Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary (SWL) Context: SWL in Tripura, spanning 18.53 sq.km, houses diverse fauna and flora, including primates, carnivores, and various plant species. The sanctuary indirectly supports the butterfly by contributing to biodiversity and habitat conservation.

Crop Insurance Expansion

• Extension of Crop Insurance Schemes: The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) until 2025-26.

• Why: This extension ensures continued financial protection for farmers against crop losses due to unforeseen events, safeguarding their livelihoods.

• Fund for Innovation and Technology (FIAT): Creation of FIAT with a corpus of ₹824.77 crore to fund technological initiatives (YES-TECH and WINDS) under crop insurance scheme.

• Why: This promotes transparency, accuracy in claim calculation and faster claim settlements using technology in crop insurance schemes.

• Yield Estimation System using Technology (YES-TECH): Uses remote sensing for yield estimation, giving technology-based estimates a minimum 30% weightage.

• Why: Aims to enhance the accuracy of yield assessments, leading to more fair and timely insurance payouts.

• Weather Information and Network Data Systems (WINDS): Focuses on installing automatic weather stations at the block level and rain gauges at the panchayat level.

• Why: Enhances the availability of hyper-local weather data, improving the precision of weather-based crop insurance payouts.

• PMFBY Details: A central sector scheme providing comprehensive crop insurance from pre-sowing to post-harvest, covering food crops, oilseeds and annual commercial/horticultural crops.

• Why: Provides financial security to all farmers, including sharecroppers and tenant farmers, against crop failures due to diverse risks.

ODK Platform

• Open Data Kit (ODK) Platform: Used by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) for secure data collection and management. The CAG employs ODK to enhance transparency and accountability in government spending and schemes.

• Functionality: ODK enables the CAG to design, collect, and manage data efficiently.

• Key Features:

  • Integrated with CAG’s operating system (OIOS).
  • End-to-end encryption for data security.
  • Facilitates the collection of information to identify problem areas for further review.
  • Supports multilingual surveys.

• Benefits:

  • Beneficiary surveys using ODK inform audit planning and provide audit evidence.
  • Deployed to gauge patient satisfaction during AIIMS audits (e.g., Mangalagiri, Bibinagar).

• Encryption: Protects data by scrambling it using mathematical models, accessible only with the correct key. Ensures data confidentiality and integrity.

Blue Baby Syndrome Explained

• Blue Baby Syndrome (cyanosis) causes a blue or purple skin tint in babies due to poorly oxygenated blood.

• Causes include congenital heart defects, environmental factors (like nitrates in water), genetic factors and acquired methemoglobinemia.

• Nitrate-contaminated water is a common cause of acquired methemoglobinemia, leading to the syndrome.

• Symptoms include blue discoloration around the mouth, hands, and feet, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, increased salivation, loss of consciousness, and seizures. Severe cases can be fatal.

• Treatment varies based on the cause. Congenital heart defects may require surgery. Methylene blue injections can treat severe cases.

• Methylene blue is a synthetic dye and medication used across various fields.

North Sea

• Context: Former U.S. President Donald Trump advocated for opening up the North Sea and eliminating windmills, via social media.

• Decline in Oil Production: Oil production in the North Sea has significantly decreased from its peak of 4.4 million barrels of oil equivalent per day to around 1.3 million boe/d.

• Geographical Significance: The North Sea is a marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean, bordering several European countries and is a vital route for maritime trade.

• Economic Importance: It is a crucial location for fishing, oil and gas production, shipping, and increasingly, renewable energy (wind farms).

• Recent Developments:

  • U.S. oil and gas producer Apache plans to exit the North Sea by the end of 2029, anticipating a 20% year-over-year production drop in 2025.
  • The British government increased the windfall tax on North Sea oil and gas producers to 38%.

• Industry Response: North Sea producers have cautioned that the higher tax rate might result in reduced investments and exits from the aging basin.

PensionPay Central

• Centralized Pension Payment System (CPPS) Implementation: EPFO is implementing CPPS to centralize pension disbursement for its over 7.85 million pensioners.
• Seamless Pension Access: Pensioners can access their pension from any bank/branch nationwide, eliminating geographical restrictions.
• Streamlined Process: Aims to simplify payments, remove physical verification needs, and ensure smooth pension disbursement.
• Decentralized System Shift: Moves away from the current decentralized system where each EPFO office has agreements with limited banks.
• Convenience for Pensioners: Beneficiaries can withdraw from any bank, eliminating verification visits, and receive immediate credit.
• Eliminates PPO Transfers: Pension disbursement occurs seamlessly across India, without needing to transfer Pension Payment Orders (PPOs) when a pensioner relocates or changes banks.
• EPFO Structure: A statutory body under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, governed by a tripartite board (government, employers, employees).
• EPFO Schemes: Administers the Employees’ Provident Funds Scheme (EPF), Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS), and Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme (EDLI).
• Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme, 1976 (EDLI) The EDLI scheme was launched in 1976 to provide insurance benefits to members of EPFO. The main objective of EPFO behind this scheme was to ensure that the family of members get financial assistance in case of death of the member.

HMPV

• Emerging Respiratory Virus: Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus gaining attention, causing cold-like symptoms.

• Similar to RSV: It belongs to the same virus family as Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), measles, and mumps, raising concerns about potential outbreaks.

• Seasonal Pattern: HMPV typically circulates in winter and early spring, aligning with other respiratory viruses.

• Vulnerable Populations: Children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk of severe complications like bronchitis and pneumonia.

• Common Symptoms: Symptoms include cough, runny nose, sore throat, fever, and wheezing, mimicking the common cold. Incubation period is 3-6 days.

• Transmission: Spreads easily through respiratory droplets (coughs, sneezes) and contaminated surfaces, similar to how colds and flu spread.

• No Specific Treatment: There is no specific antiviral medication or vaccine for HMPV, relying on supportive care. Antibiotics are ineffective.

• Focus on Prevention: Emphasis should be on preventive measures like handwashing and avoiding close contact with infected individuals.

• Pneumonia Risk: HMPV can lead to pneumonia, an infection inflaming air sacs in the lungs, causing cough with phlegm, fever and breathing difficulty.

AICTE: 2025 AI Year

• AICTE’s “Year of AI” (2025): The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has declared 2025 as the “Year of Artificial Intelligence.”

• Goal: Global AI Leadership: The primary objective is to establish India as a global leader in the field of Artificial Intelligence.

• Impact: Extensive Reach: This initiative will affect over 14,000 colleges and 40 million students.

• Key Strategies for AI Integration: Updated curricula, faculty workshops, and collaborations with AI companies are planned to integrate AI into higher education.

• Core Initiative Elements: AI affirmation pledge, comprehensive AI integration, AI awareness campaigns, faculty development, industry partnerships, and recognition of excellence.

• Government Support for Consumer Protection: The government is launching AI-enabled tools and safety measures like the National Consumer Helpline, e-maap portal, Jago Grahak Jago mobile application, and guidelines to regulate deceptive marketing.

• AICTE’s Role: As a statutory body under the Ministry of Education, AICTE is responsible for technical education at the national level, enabling it to drive the initiative.

Periyar Memorial

• Renovated Memorial Inaugurated: The renovated Thanthai Periyar memorial in Vaikom was recently inaugurated by the Chief Ministers of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
• Significance of Location: Vaikom is historically important as the site of the Vaikom Satyagraha, where Periyar played a crucial role.
• Honoring Thanthai Periyar: The memorial commemorates the contributions of E.V. Ramasami Naicker, known as Thanthai Periyar, a Tamil reformist.
• Vaikom Satyagraha Leader: Periyar’s involvement in the Vaikom Satyagraha, a movement for the rights of ‘untouchable’ communities, led to his imprisonment and the title “Vaikom Veeran.”
• Memorial Features: The renovated memorial includes a library and materials detailing Periyar’s life, the Dravidian movement, and his interactions with other leaders.
• Vaikom Satyagraha Details: The Vaikom Satyagraha (1924-1925), led by T.K. Madhavan, K.P. Kesava Menon, and K. Kelappan, was a peaceful protest against caste discrimination.
• Periyar’s Contributions: Periyar started the Self-Respect Movement and Dravidar Kazhagam and is known as the “Father of the Dravidian movement.”

POK Sanskrit Find

• Sanskrit Inscription Found in POK: A 4th-century CE Sanskrit inscription, written in Brahmi script, was discovered near Gilgit in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK).

• Content of Inscription: The inscription mentions “Pushpasingha” installing a Mahesvaralinga to honor his guru.

• Importance of Historical Inscriptions:

  • Primary Historical Sources: Inscriptions are authentic and direct sources for reconstructing ancient Indian history, free from later biases.
  • Political History: Provide details about rulers, dynasties, conquests, and administration.
  • Administrative Systems: Offer insights into revenue systems, land grants, and taxation.
  • Linguistic Evolution: Document the development of languages, scripts, and literary styles.
  • Socio-Economic Structures: Reveal details about trade practices, societal norms, and economic transactions.
  • Religious Practices: Shed light on ancient religions, temple construction, rituals, and royal patronage.

• Examples of Important Inscriptions:

  • Junagarh Inscription: Details Rudradaman’s achievements and Sudarshana Lake dam construction.
  • Bhitari Pillar Inscription: Chronicles Skandagupta’s victory against the Hunas.
  • Paharpur Inscription: Highlights land grants and religious patronage during the Gupta period.
  • Mandsaur Inscription: Details Yashodharman’s victory over the Huns.
  • Gwalior Inscription: Describes grants to Brahmins and mentions Agraharas.
  • Banskhera Copper Plate: Provides details about Harshavardhana’s ancestry and administration.
  • Deopara Prashasti: Celebrates the achievements of Bengal’s Vijay Sena.

PMAY-G: Rural Poverty Relief

• Why in News: The Ministry of Rural Development is intensifying efforts to create poverty-free villages through effective implementation of schemes like PMAY-G.

• PMAY-G Overview: Launched in 2016, aims to provide affordable housing to the rural poor, selected based on SECC 2011 data, Gram Sabha approvals, and geo-tagging. Financial assistance of Rs 1.20-1.30 lakh, plus support for toilets (SBM-G), cooking fuel (Ujjwala Yojana), and employment (MGNREGA).

• Scheme Extension: Extended to include 2 crore more houses by FY 2024-29, with a total outlay of Rs 3,06,137 crore.

• Achievements: 3.21 crore houses sanctioned, 2.67 crore completed as of November 2024. Awas Plus-2024 and Awas Sakhi Apps launched for beneficiary identification and monitoring.

• Challenges to Rural Poverty Alleviation: Dependency on agriculture vulnerable to climate change, unemployment, limited access to services, land ownership issues, social inequality, migration, and governance challenges hindering effective poverty reduction.

• Pathways to Poverty-Free Rural India: Focus on achieving SDGs (No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health, Reduced Inequalities), social protection, employment generation (MGNREGA), linking SHGs and FPOs, infrastructure development (roads, schools), digital inclusion (e-NAM), behavioural change, disaster preparedness (DRR Task Force), and climate-resilient agriculture (KVKs).

• Conclusion: Comprehensive approach needed, combining housing (PMAY-G), financial aid, employment, and infrastructure to address challenges like agricultural dependence and social inequality for achieving poverty-free villages.

MSP Legalization Demand

• SC Intervention: Supreme Court criticizes government’s lack of engagement with protesting farmers, urging consideration of MSP demands in response to a plea for legal guarantee.

• Petition for MSP Guarantee: Farmers seek legal guarantee for MSP on crops, fulfilling promises from 2021 protests after farm laws repeal, aiming for stable agricultural incomes.

• Reasons for Protests: Stem from economic liberalization prioritizing industry over agriculture, causing rural distress due to low crop returns and rising input costs. WTO agreements are perceived to limit India’s control over procurement and subsidies.

• Key Demands: Law guaranteeing MSP for all crops based on Swaminathan Commission’s ‘C2+50%’ formula (50% profit margin over comprehensive cost). Also, full debt waiver, compensation, better wages, indigenous rights protection.

• Government’s Position: Legal guarantee deemed unfeasible due to logistical challenges, high costs, potential food inflation, and budgetary constraints.

• Arguments For Legalizing MSP: Addresses farmer distress, ensures fair prices, promotes formal markets, stabilizes market prices, improves cost calculation methods, encourages agricultural investment.

• Arguments Against Legalizing MSP: Logistical difficulties, high government costs, potential for food inflation, market distortion, WTO constraints.

• Alternatives to Legalization: Targeted MSP approach (smaller percentage of crops), state-specific legislation, promoting cooperatives/FPOs, supportive infrastructure, contract farming, improved crop insurance, crop diversification.

Savitribai Phule

• Context: The news highlights the 194th birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule, India’s first woman teacher.

• Early Life and Education: Born on January 3, 1831, in Maharashtra, she was educated by her husband, Jyotirao Phule, after being married at age 10.

• Pioneering Education: She and her husband established India’s first school for girls in 1848 in Pune, breaking societal norms that restricted women’s education.

• Social Reformer: Savitribai and Jyotirao Phule were advocates for social equality, campaigning for widow remarriage, inter-caste marriages, and against child marriage, sati, and dowry systems.

• Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha: The couple founded a home to prevent infanticide, especially for pregnant widows facing societal discrimination.

• Satyashodhak Samaj: They established this platform in 1873 to promote social equity, open to all irrespective of caste or religion, and introduced ‘Satyashodhak Marriage’ ceremonies.

• Defiance of Tradition: Savitribai challenged convention by carrying the earthen pot during her husband’s funeral procession and lighting the pyre.

• Literary Contributions: She authored collections of poems, including Kavya Phule and Bavan Kashi Subodh Ratnakar, promoting her ideals through literature.

• Humanitarian Work: Savitribai actively participated in relief efforts during the 1896 famine and the 1897 Bubonic plague in Maharashtra, contracting the disease herself while helping a sick child, demonstrating compassion and courage.

CENJOWS-NDMA MoU

• MoU Signed: The Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

• Objective: To boost India’s disaster management capabilities by taking a ‘whole of the nation’ approach.

• Collaborative Research: Joint research on disaster management and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations to inform government policy.

• Capacity Building: Jointly organizing seminars, workshops, and training programs for armed forces and NDMA officials.

• Awareness: Joint efforts to promote disaster preparedness and risk mitigation nationwide.

• International Collaboration: Working together to facilitate global disaster management efforts, aligning with India’s foreign policy.

• CENJOWS’s Role: Established in 2004, it aims to promote jointness in national power and provides research-based alternatives for policy formulation.

• NDMA’s Role: Established in 2006 under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. NDMA is the apex statutory body

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  in India for disaster management, chaired by the Prime Minister.

SBI’s New Deposit Offers

• SBI Launches “Har Ghar Lakhpati Scheme”: A recurring deposit (RD) scheme designed to help customers accumulate ₹1 lakh or multiples thereof.

  • Why: Simplifies financial goal planning and saving effectively, allowing customers to plan better.

• Recurring Deposit (RD): Allows systematic saving through fixed monthly deposits for a set period, earning interest on the deposited amount.

  • Why: Promotes disciplined savings habits.

• Availability for Minors: The “Har Ghar Lakhpati Scheme” is also available to minors.

  • Why: Encourages early financial planning and savings.

• RD Tenure: The minimum tenure for recurring deposits is 12 months (1 year), and the maximum is 120 months (10 years).

  • Why: Provides flexibility in choosing a savings period that matches individual financial goals.

• SBI Introduces “SBI Patrons Scheme”: A fixed deposit scheme specifically for senior citizens aged 80 years and above.

  • Why: Acknowledges and rewards the loyalty of long-term senior customers.

• Enhanced Interest Rates for Senior Citizens: “SBI Patrons” offers higher interest rates than regular senior citizen fixed deposits.

  • Why: Provides increased returns for elderly customers who often rely on fixed income.

• Interest Rate Benefit: SBI Patron’s depositors receive an additional 10 basis points (0.10%) higher interest rate than what is offered to other senior citizens.

  • Why: Gives extra benefits for elderly citizens.

• Accessibility: “SBI Patrons” is available to both existing and new term deposit customers.

  • Why: Broadens the scheme’s availability to all eligible senior citizens, whether they are current SBI customers or not.

Baanknet Portal Access

• Baanknet Portal Launched: A centralized e-auction platform for properties from all public sector banks (PSBs) in India.

• One-Stop Destination: Provides a wide range of properties including residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural assets.

• Enhanced Features: Streamlined user experience with integrated payment gateway, KYC tools, and API-based architecture.

• Simplified Process: Consolidates pre-auction, auction, and post-auction processes into a single application.

• User-Friendly Tools: Offers dashboards for spend analytics and MIS reports, plus a helpdesk with callback support.

• Aids PSB Recovery: Facilitates property sales, supporting PSB’s financial recovery and improving credit availability.

• Large Inventory: Already features over 122,500 properties for auction.

• What are PSBs: Banks where the Government holds the majority stake and accounting for over 70 percent of the deposits received in and advances made by SCBs.

Tiger Movement Between States

• Tiger Translocation: Madhya Pradesh is translocating 15 tigers to Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.
• Source of Tigers: The tigers will be moved from Bandhavgarh, Pench, and Kanha tiger reserves in Madhya Pradesh.
• Distribution Plan: The translocation includes 12 tigresses and 3 tigers, with specific allocations for each receiving state (Chhattisgarh: 6 tigresses, 2 tigers; Rajasthan: 4 tigresses; Odisha: 1 tiger, 2 tigresses).
• Approval: The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has approved the translocation.
• Madhya Pradesh’s Tiger Status: Madhya Pradesh has the highest tiger population in India (785), with nine tiger reserves.
• Purpose: Translocation aims to boost genetic diversity, reduce inbreeding, and support the long-term survival of tiger populations. This is a reinforcement strategy.

Methylcobalamin

• Methylcobalamin is a form of Vitamin B12: Naturally occurring and found in food (fish, meat, dairy) and supplements. Its structure differs from other B12 forms.
• Vitamin B12 Importance: Crucial for DNA synthesis, red blood cell production, and neurological function. Deficiency necessitates supplementation. Regulates cell growth, blood formation, and protein synthesis.
• Uses: Treats Vitamin B12 deficiency and neuropathies (e.g., in diabetes).
• Red Blood Cell Formation: Prevents anemia by enabling erythrocyte synthesis, reducing fatigue and weakness.
• Neurological Health: Used in preventing and treating neurological illnesses. Supports neurotransmitter production (serotonin, dopamine) vital for mood and mental health.
• FSSAI Relevance: FSSAI is the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It operates under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. The FSSAI has been established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

The reason for including FSSAI is to highlight the regulatory context surrounding food supplements and safety in India, which could be relevant to Methylcobalamin supplements.

MWPSC Act & Property Restoration

• Property Restoration Power: The Supreme Court has reinforced the power of tribunals to restore property to parents under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens (MWPSC) Act, 2007. This is triggered when children neglect their care obligations.

• Section 23 Application: Tribunals can void property transfers if the recipient (e.g., child) fails to provide the agreed-upon basic needs to the senior citizen, the transferor.

• Representation by Authorized Organizations: If a senior citizen is unable to pursue their rights under the act, authorized organizations (tribunals) can act on their behalf.

• Act’s Purpose: The MWPSC Act, 2007 provides statutory protection for elderly citizens, allowing them to seek maintenance from their children or legal heirs if they are unable to support themselves.

• Enforcement Structure: The Act is implemented through tribunals and appellate tribunals at district and sub-division levels for effective and speedy processing.

• Penalties for Non-Compliance: Tribunals can impose fines or imprisonment on individuals who fail to provide maintenance. Abandonment of senior citizens can result in fines or up to 3 months imprisonment.

Groundwater Quality Report ’24

• Groundwater Quality Concerns: The Annual Groundwater Quality Report 2024 by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) highlights concerns about groundwater quality in various parts of India.

• Rising Nitrate Levels: The number of districts with excessive nitrate levels (above 45 mg/L) has increased from 359 in 2017 to 440 in 2023, affecting over half of India’s districts. This is concerning due to potential health issues like methemoglobinemia (‘Blue Baby Syndrome’) and environmental impacts like algal blooms.

• Sources of Nitrate Contamination: Excessive irrigation, poor animal waste management, urbanization, and inadequate wastewater/sewage disposal are major contributors to high nitrate levels.

• Regional Nitrate Issues: Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat face persistent nitrate problems, largely due to geological factors.

• Fluoride and Arsenic Concerns: Elevated fluoride levels exceeding permissible limits are a major concern in Rajasthan, Haryana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. High arsenic levels are found in the Ganga and Brahmaputra river floodplains. Prolonged exposure to these contaminants can cause severe health problems.

• Uranium Contamination: Elevated uranium levels are found in several regions, with Rajasthan and Punjab being hotspots. Chronic exposure to uranium can lead to kidney damage.

Sports Awards ’24

• National Sports Awards 2024 Announced: The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports revealed the recipients of the National Sports Awards 2024.This is significant as it recognizes and celebrates excellence in sports.

• Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award: Awarded to Gukesh D (Chess), Harmanpreet Singh (Hockey), Praveen Kumar (Para-Athletics) and Manu Bhaker (Shooting), It’s India’s highest sporting honor, recognizing outstanding performance over four years.

• Arjuna Awards: Given for consistent good performance over four years, recipients include Jyothi Yarraji (Athletics), Annu Rani (Athletics), Nitu (Boxing), Rakesh Kumar (Para-Archery), Navdeep (Para-Athletics), Sucha Singh (Athletics), Murlikant Rajaram Petkar (Para-Swimming) etc.

• Dronacharya Award: Recognizes coaches, awarded to Subhash Rana (Para-Shooting) and S Muralidharan (Badminton) etc. This highlights the importance of coaching in producing medal-winning athletes.

• Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar: Awarded to Physical Education Foundation of India. It acknowledges the role of organizations in sports promotion and development.

• Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy: Awarded to Chandigarh University (Overall winner). It recognizes top performance in inter-university tournaments.

• Various Sports Awards Given in India: Includes Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (highest sporting honour), Arjuna Award (consistent performance), Dronacharya Award (coaching excellence), Major Dhyan Chand Award (lifetime achievements), Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy (inter-university performance), and Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar (sports promotion). These awards collectively recognize contributions across various levels of sports in India.

VISTAAR

• Project VISTAAR is a digital platform integrating information on agriculture and allied sector startups.
• Aims to enhance the agricultural extension system’s efficiency via digitalisation.
• Connects farmers and stakeholders with relevant startup solutions and services.
• Contains a database of over 12,000 agriculture and farming startups.
• Significance: Expands the reach of agricultural advisory services to farmers, providing high-quality information on crop production, marketing, and supply chain management.
• Provides information on government schemes for agriculture, allied sectors, and rural development.
• Delivers timely, contextual, and accurate information, augmenting the existing extension system.
• Improves support for farmers in agriculture and related fields.
• Digitalisation (the use of digital tools to improve business processes) expands outreach, ensuring farmers access quality advisory services on production, marketing, and government schemes.

Property Rights

• Right to Property as a Constitutional and Human Right: The Supreme Court affirmed that the right to property is both a constitutional right (Article 300-A) and a human right.

  • Why: This reaffirms the importance of property rights in a welfare state and protects individuals from arbitrary dispossession.

• Compensation for Property Acquisition: The Court reiterated that individuals must receive adequate compensation when their property is taken, and in cases of unreasonable delay in providing compensation, the valuation date can be adjusted to reflect current market values.

  • Why: Ensures fair treatment and prevents landowners from suffering financial losses due to delayed compensation.

• Case Specific Ruling (BMIC Project): The Supreme Court directed compensation for landowners affected by the BMIC project in Karnataka to be based on 2019 market values, due to the significant delays in compensation disbursement.

  • Why: Addresses the injustice of delayed compensation and the erosion of property value over time.

• State’s Power and Obligations: The ruling highlights the State’s power of eminent domain (to acquire land) but emphasizes its obligation to provide prompt and fair compensation.

  • Why: This underscores the balance between the State’s needs and the individual’s rights.

• Application of Article 142: The Supreme Court used its powers under Article 142 to provide full justice, shifting the valuation date to 2019.

  • Why: Demonstrates the Court’s commitment to equity and its role in addressing injustices.

Nuclear-Prisoner List Exchange

• Nuclear Installation List Exchange: India and Pakistan exchanged lists of nuclear installations under the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations, 1988. This is the 34th consecutive exchange since 1992, occurring annually on January 1st. It aims to prevent attacks on each other’s nuclear facilities. Details of specific locations are not disclosed.
• Prisoner and Fisherman List Exchange: The countries also exchanged lists of prisoners and fishermen held in each other’s jails. This exchange is mandated by the Agreement on Consular Access, 2008, and happens biannually (January 1st and July 1st).
• Significance Amidst Strained Relations: These exchanges are notable because they continue despite ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan. They highlight a commitment to existing agreements on nuclear safety and consular access.
• Vienna Convention Relevance: The exchange of prisoner lists indirectly relates to Article 36 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963, which emphasizes informing detained foreign nationals of their right to consular access. This underscores the importance of consular rights in international relations.

Cash Aid Programs

• Context: Political parties are increasingly using cash transfer schemes to win elections, raising concerns.

• Why:

  • Easy to implement due to universal financial access.
  • Tangible benefits directly reaching voters.
  • Beneficiaries prefer them as they are flexible and bypass intermediaries.

• Key Concerns:

  • Limited evidence of long-term impact on intended goals (e.g., women’s empowerment, farmer income).
  • Oversimplifies complex systemic issues; doesn’t replace necessary policy interventions.

• Negative Impacts:

  • Strain on government finances, diverting funds from essential services (health, education, infrastructure).
  • Existing social protection programs (NSAP, MGNREGA) may receive insufficient funding.

• Nuanced View:

  • Cash transfers can supplement social safety nets but shouldn’t be a sole solution.
  • Effective in programs like NSAP, maternity entitlements, and scholarships.
  • Should complement, not replace, state investments in essential services.