Daily Current Affairs and News Analysis 11-01-2025

Indigenous Development: India has developed its own Silver Nanowire-Based Conductive Ink technology, funded by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Why: Reduces reliance on foreign imports and strengthens domestic manufacturing.

Versatile Applications: The ink is usable in flexible electronics (foldable devices, touchscreens), wearables, solar panels, RFID tags, and more. Why: Showcases a broad applicability, highlighting the potential for widespread adoption across various industries.

Market Opportunity: The global market for this ink is projected to exceed $16.87 billion by 2032. Why: Indicates significant economic potential and growth opportunities for India’s domestic production.

Import Substitution: India currently imports conductive ink worth $1.572 million annually. Why: Illustrates the immediate potential for import substitution and cost savings for the country.

Radio Frequency (RF) Information: RF refers to electromagnetic radio wave oscillations in the range of 3 kHz to 300 GHz, used for communications and broadcasting. Why: Important to understanding the technology’s applications in areas like RFID tags and wireless communication.

10th Anniversary of NITI Aayog: Celebrated on January 1, 2025, marking a decade since its inception on January 1, 2015. This signifies a significant milestone in India’s shift towards a more market-oriented and adaptable economic planning approach.

Shift to Policy Advisory: NITI Aayog transitioned from financial allocation to policy recommendations. This emphasizes a move away from centrally controlled resource distribution to a more strategic and advisory role in shaping national policies.

Promotion of Federalism: Strengthened competitive and cooperative federalism via data-driven indices like the SDG India Index. This fostered healthy competition and collaboration among states for improved development outcomes.

State Institution support: Aided states in establishing State Institutions of Transformation (SITs). This promoted better governance and policy implementation at the state level, decentralizing development efforts.

Aspirational Blocks Programme: Targeted 500 underdeveloped blocks for comprehensive scheme coverage. This initiative aimed to address regional disparities and ensure equitable access to government programs.

Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): Trained over 1 crore students and expanded innovation ecosystems. This promoted entrepreneurship and innovation, particularly in underserved regions and local languages.

Conceptualization of Key Initiatives: Played a crucial role in conceiving initiatives like e-Mobility, Green Hydrogen, and the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme. This highlights its contribution to shaping India’s future in sustainable development and manufacturing.

Context: The CAG is currently in the news due to a political dispute over its audit report on the Delhi CM’s office renovation. This highlights the CAG’s role in scrutinizing government spending.

Constitutional Basis: Articles 148-151 of the Constitution outline the CAG’s appointment, duties, and audit reports. The President appoints the CAG.

Functions and Audits: The CAG audits government finances, public sector undertakings, and assesses compliance with rules and regulations. They conduct compliance, performance, and financial audits.

Audit Selection: The CAG uses a risk assessment procedure, considering factors like project size, media reports, and international guidelines, to choose audit subjects. They also consult an Audit Advisory Board.

Audit Process: The CAG conducts entry and exit conferences, shares draft reports with the audited department for a response, and then submits the final report to the government.

Report Tabling: Article 151 mandates that CAG reports be laid before Parliament or state legislatures. There’s no time limit, leading to delays. The report becomes public only after it’s laid in the House.

Impact of Reports: CAG reports can influence policy by highlighting financial losses, suggesting procedural changes, and leading to changes in rules and procedures. The Public Accounts Committee examines the reports and seeks government action.

C3S Overview: The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) is a key part of the EU’s Copernicus Earth Observation Programme, implemented by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF).

Purpose: C3S provides accessible, authoritative information about past, present, and future climate, globally and in Europe, to support society.

Data Access: C3S offers free and open access to climate data and tools via the Climate Data Store.

Climate Data Store (CDS): The CDS provides high-quality, up-to-date datasets on climate change impacts, updated with observations, reanalyses, forecasts, and model projections. It also has tools to create visual products from complex data.

User Support: C3S provides user support, training, and guidance to scientists, policymakers, media, and the public.

Reliance on Research: C3S utilizes climate research from the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) and responds to user needs defined by the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS).

Copernicus Programme: The EU’s Earth observation program using satellites and in-situ data. Free and open data access is a key element.

Copernicus Infrastructure: Relies on Sentinel satellites and contributing missions to gather data. Funded and managed by the European Commission.

WCRP: An international initiative coordinating global climate research to improve understanding of the Earth’s climate system and support climate predictions.

Why it matters: C3S offers essential climate data and tools to support decision-making, research, and public understanding of climate change. The information available through C3S can enable users to tackle climate change and its impacts at a local level.

• Asia: Above-average monsoon rainfall in India (possible decrease in pulses, increase in rice), flooding in Southeast Asia.
• South America: Drought in Southern Brazil, Uruguay, and northern Argentina; wetter conditions in Northern Brazil.
• Africa: Drier conditions in East Africa; above-average summer rainfall in Southern Africa.
• Oceania: Above-average rainfall and flooding in Australia.
• North America: Drier conditions in the southern US; wetter weather in the north.

Discovery of Manis Indoburmanica: A newly identified pangolin species, genetically distinct from Chinese and Indian pangolins, found in India.

Indo-Burmese Pangolin: Officially named Manis Indoburmanica, or Indo-Burmese pangolin.

Genetic Difference: Exhibits a 3.8% genetic difference from the Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla).

Evolutionary Divergence: Diverged from Chinese pangolins approximately 3.4 million years ago, likely due to climate and geological shifts during the Pliocene and Pleistocene epochs.

Geographic Distribution: Believed to inhabit Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and potentially extend into Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar. Found at elevations of 180-1830 meters.

Physical Characteristics: Features dark brown and olive-brown scales with a pinkish face, consistent with other Asian pangolins.

Pangolin Overview: Mammals in the family Manidae, found in Africa and Asia, known for their keratin scales.

Unique Traits: Covered in protective keratin scales, myrmecophagous (ant and termite eaters), and fossorial (adapted for digging burrows).

Conservation Status: Among the most trafficked animals globally, driven by demand for scales in traditional medicine and as luxury items.

Location and Size: Desert National Park (DNP) is located in the Thar Desert near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. It’s one of India’s largest national parks, covering over 3160 sq. km.

Arid Environment: The park experiences extreme heat, aridity, and very low rainfall (under 100mm).

Topography: The terrain is sandy and undulating, with craggy rocks, compact Salt Lake bottoms, and fixed dunes (sand dunes make up about 20%). It contains three main lakes: Rajbaugh Lake, Malik Talao Lake, and Padam Talao.

Jurassic Fossils: DNP is notable for the presence of fossils from the Jurassic Period.

Vegetation: The flora is sparse, characterized by open grassland, thorny bushes, plantations, and dunes, categorized as thorn forest type. Khejri (Prosopis cineraria) is common and protected by local communities like the Bishnois.

Fauna: The park is home to animals like Chinkara, Desert fox, Bengal Fox, Indian Wolf, Desert Cat, and Hare. Reptiles are abundant.

Great Indian Bustard (GIB): The park is a crucial habitat for the Critically Endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB).

GIB Status: Only 100-150 GIB individuals are estimated to survive in India, with around 100 residing in the Thar Desert (mainly in Rajasthan)

Why in News: The Toda tribe of Tamil Nadu celebrated their traditional ‘Modhweth’ festival, marking their New Year.

What: The ‘Modhweth’ festival is an annual celebration held on the last Sunday of December or the first Sunday of January.

Where: Celebrated at the Moonpo temple in Muthanadu Mund village, Nilgiri district. The Moonpo temple is significant for its

Rituals: Prayers are offered to the deity Thenkish Amman for health, rain, and a good harvest. Participants perform a dance outside the temple.

Unique Customs: Toda youth demonstrate their strength by lifting a greased boulder. Women traditionally do not participate.

Toda Tribe: A pastoral tribe of the Nilgiri Hills, classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in Tamil Nadu. Their language is unique within the Dravidian family.

Significance: Toda lands are part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO International Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site.

Religion: Their religious beliefs center around gods like Tökisy (goddess) and Ön (god of the underworld).

US NSA Visit & New Initiatives: The US National Security Advisor visited India, leading to the signing of new initiatives in technology and defence.

Civil Nuclear Cooperation Boost: The US will ease restrictions on supplying US nuclear reactors to Indian entities like BARC, facilitating the India-US civil nuclear agreement. This is significant as it deepens cooperation in the critical energy sector and recognises India’s responsible nuclear program.

Sonobuoy Co-Manufacturing for Enhanced ASW: India and US will co-manufacture Sonobuoys to strengthen the Indian Navy’s ability to detect underwater threats, especially submarines. This is crucial for maritime security given the increasing underwater activity in the Indian Ocean region.

MTCR Updates & Space Collaboration: The US briefed India on updates to missile export controls under the MTCR, potentially leading to enhanced space cooperation. India’s membership in MTCR since 2016 has opened new avenues for technology collaboration.

Advancing iCET Cooperation: Both countries reiterated their commitment to collaboration in emerging technologies like AI, quantum computing, telecommunications, and space through the iCET framework. This is vital for maintaining a competitive edge in cutting-edge technologies.

Sonobuoys Defined: Sonobuoys are expendable acoustic sensors used to detect, classify, and track underwater sounds, primarily in anti-submarine warfare. This highlights the importance of co-manufacturing these devices for India’s naval capabilities.

Location & Connectivity: The Gulf of Mexico borders the southeastern coast of North America, connected to the Atlantic via the Straits of Florida and to the Caribbean Sea via the Yucatán Channel.

Geographic Significance: It’s the world’s largest gulf, often called the “Mediterranean of the Americas,” formed by seafloor subsidence due to tectonic plate movement.

Depth: It’s relatively shallow, averaging 1,615 meters in depth, particularly along the continental shelf.

Climate: Experiences a tropical to subtropical climate and is prone to severe weather, including hurricanes, tornadoes, and thunderstorms.

Major Rivers: The Mississippi and Rio Grande rivers drain into the Gulf.

Natural Resources: The Gulf’s continental shelf contains significant petroleum and natural gas deposits.

Yucatán Peninsula Location: The Yucatán Peninsula is a northeastern projection of Central America, situated between the Gulf of Mexico (west and north) and the Caribbean Sea (east). It is mostly made of porous limestone rocks.

Why in News: Given the provided content there is no information regarding the Gulf of Mexico in news.

Emergency Declaration: Trinidad and Tobago has declared a state of emergency.

• Why: Due to a significant surge in gang violence, leading to the highest annual death toll since 2013.

Context of Violence: The country, with a population of 1.5 million, has a high murder rate.

• Why: Highlights the severity of the security situation that prompted the emergency declaration.

Previous Emergencies: Past states of emergency were declared in 2014 (gang violence) and 2021 (COVID-19).

• Why: Provides context to the recent declaration, indicating a recurring issue with gang violence.

India’s Connections: Trinidad and Tobago is the first Caribbean country to adopt India’s UPI platform. Bilateral trade with India reached a record USD 368.96 million in FY 2023-24, and the Indian Diaspora constitutes about 42% of the total population.

• Why: Indicates the economic and cultural ties with India. It provides the information that it is first country in caribbean to adopt India’s UPI platform and showcases a key aspect of relationship.

Location and Independence: The island nation, located in the southeastern West Indies, gained independence from the UK in 1962 and is a CARICOM member.

• Why: Provides background information about the country.

Project Veer Gatha commemorates India’s 75th Independence anniversary (Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav): Launched in 2021 to honor the nation’s milestone.

Raises Awareness of Gallantry Awardees: Aims to publicize the brave acts and life stories of India’s war heroes.

Instills Patriotism and Civic Values: Designed to cultivate patriotism and responsible citizenship in students.

Joint Initiative: Collaboration between the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Education.

Varied Topics in Veer Gatha 4.0: Students wrote essays/paragraphs on Gallantry Award recipients, freedom fighters like Rani Laxmibai, the 1857 War, and Tribal Uprisings.

Gallantry Awards Recognize Bravery: Awarded by the Indian Government to Armed Forces, other forces, and civilians for acts of courage and sacrifice.

Announced Twice Annually: Gallantry Awards are announced on Republic Day and Independence Day.

UN Specialized Agency: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN). Why: Highlights WMO’s role within the UN system and its mandate.

Origin: Evolved from the International Meteorological Organization (IMO) founded in 1873. Established in 1950. Why: Provides historical context and evolution of the organization.

Mandate: UN’s authoritative voice on the Earth’s atmosphere, ocean interactions, climate, and water resources. Why: Defines WMO’s core expertise and influence.

Goal: Facilitates international cooperation in meteorology, climate, hydrology, and related environmental fields. Why: Emphasizes WMO’s commitment to global collaboration.

Governance: World Meteorological Congress (policy), Executive Council (implementation), Secretariat (administration). Why: Outlines the organizational structure and decision-making processes.

Membership: 193 members (187 states, 6 territories). Why: Shows global reach and participation.

Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland. Why: Identifies the location of the organization’s central operations.

Meteorology Definition: Scientific study of atmospheric phenomena, particularly in the troposphere and lower stratosphere. Why: Briefly explains the scientific discipline at the heart of WMO’s work.

Discovery: IIA researchers found an ultra-diffuse galaxy at the end of the longest tidal tail known, linked to galaxy NGC 3785.

Tidal Tail: It’s a stream of stars and gas pulled from galaxies during interactions/mergers by gravity. This specific tail is associated with NGC 3785.

NGC 3785: A lenticular galaxy in the Leo constellation, 430 million light-years away. Its northern location makes it easier to observe from the northern hemisphere.

Significance of Tidal Tails: They are indicators of past galaxy interactions and contribute to understanding galaxy evolution. They also show how gravitational forces affect galaxies.

Star Formation: A small fraction of a galaxy’s star formation occurs within these tidal tails, showing their role in galaxy dynamics.

National Youth Festival (NYF) Commemoration: Celebrated annually in January to mark Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary (January 12th), designated as National Youth Day. Observed since 1985.

Duration: The NYF takes place every year from January 12th to 16th.

Organizers: Organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports in collaboration with a host State/UT. Expenditure is shared between the Centre and the host State.

Purpose: Promotes national integration through the ‘Promotion of National Integration’ component of the National Programme for Youth and Adolescent Development (NPYAD).

Activities: Includes cultural programs (competitive and non-competitive), youth conventions, exhibitions, adventure programs, and thematic displays.

Participation: Attracts approximately 7500 youth delegates from across India.

NYF 2025 Theme: Innovation in Science and Technology.

NYF 2025 Location: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Swami Vivekananda’s Significance: A highly influential Hindu monk and spiritual leader, disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramhamsa. He advocated for combining Indian spirituality with Western progress and emphasized service to others. Founded the Ramakrishna Order in 1897. Presented Hinduism at the 1893 World’s Parliament of Religions.

New Appointment Process: The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Act, 2023, introduces changes to the selection process.

Wider Candidate Pool: The Act allows consideration of a broader range of candidates, not just the senior-most Election Commissioner, as it was traditionally. Candidates can now be current or former Secretary-level officers.

Search Committee: A Search Committee, chaired by the Law Minister, will create a panel of five names for the Selection Committee.

Selection Committee Composition: The Selection Committee comprises the Prime Minister, a Cabinet minister, and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. They can select from the Search Committee’s panel or consider other individuals.

Background – Supreme Court Intervention: The Act was enacted after the Supreme Court intervened due to challenges regarding the government’s exclusive power in the appointment process. The court had initially suggested a committee including the Chief Justice of India.

Controversial Change: The final law excludes the Chief Justice of India from the Selection Committee, as initially recommended by the Supreme Court, making the government’s influence stronger.

2024 Breached the 1.5°C Limit: 2024 is the first year in history where the mean global temperature exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

• Why: This is a significant threshold outlined in the 2015 Paris Agreement, aiming to limit warming.

2024 is the Warmest Year on Record: With a warming of 1.6°C above pre-industrial levels, 2024 surpasses 2023 (1.45°C) as the warmest year ever recorded.

• Why: Highlights the accelerating pace of global warming.

Significance of the 1.5°C Threshold: While exceeding 1.5°C doesn’t definitively mean the goal is unattainable, it’s a critical indicator. Long-term trends, not just yearly variations, determine if the target is breached.

• Why: The 1.5°C and 2°C limits are long-term goals.

Exceptional Warming in 2023 & 2024: Both years are notably warmer, even within a rapidly warming trend.

• Why: Underscores the urgency and severity of climate change.

Factors Contributing to Warming: The unusual warming is possibly due to a combination of factors: mild El Niño events, unprecedented El Niño-like systems in other oceans, the 2022 Tonga volcanic eruption, decreased sulfur dioxide emissions from the shipping industry, and the Sun’s solar maximum phase.

• Why: Provides context and potential causes for the record-breaking temperatures.

Key Point: Haryana’s sex ratio at birth dropped to 910 in 2024, the lowest in eight years, after peaking at 923 in 2019.

Why: This decline is concerning, as it reverses progress made after the “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” campaign launched in 2015.

Key Point: The drop is attributed to factors such as loosened enforcement of the PNDT Act and changing societal attitudes.

Why: Relaxed enforcement allows access to sex determination services, especially in wealthier families.

Key Point: Societal pressures, including dowry and economic constraints, contribute to the preference for fewer children, often favoring males.

Why: This preference is fueled by the need to reduce costs, impacting family size decisions.

Key Point: The government acknowledges the dip as a slight fluctuation, highlighting improvements from 2014 to 2023 and various schemes promoting the girl child.

Why: This perspective contrasts with activists’ concerns, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance.

• Indian court cases show differing views, balancing religious freedom with school dress codes and institutional rights.
• Split Supreme Court verdict on Karnataka hijab ban awaits a larger bench ruling.

• Promote uniformity, discipline, and integration.
• Counter gender inequality concerns associated with hijabs/burqas.
• Address security concerns and prevent anonymity.

• Infringe on freedom of religion (Article 25 of the Indian Constitution) and personal choice.
• May negatively impact education for girls from conservative backgrounds, as evidenced by lower school attendance rates among Muslim girls in some Indian states.

ICEGATE Established: Indian Customs Electronic Gateway (ICEGATE) was established in 2007.

National Portal: It is the national portal of Indian Customs, under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).

E-filing Services: Provides e-filing services electronically to traders, cargo carriers, and other trading partners.

Centralized Hub: Serves as a central hub for electronic interactions between Indian Customs and the trading community.

Trade User Connection: Main infrastructure connecting trade users with the Indian government’s customs department.

Information Exchange Hub: Acts as a hub for information exchange between external trading partners in international trade.

Linked to Partner Agencies: Internally linked with RBI, Banks, DGFT, DGCIS, Ministry of Steel, Directorate of Valuation and other Partner Government Agencies.

Streamlines Procedures: Streamlines customs procedures and enhances trade facilitation.

Promotes Transparency: Promotes transparency and efficiency in cross-border trade activities in India.

Key takeaway points: ICEGATE is important because it simplifies trade, increases efficiency, and makes cross-border transactions more transparent for businesses in India. It also connects various government and financial institutions involved in EXIM.

Report: World Economic Forum’s (WEF) ‘Future of Jobs Report 2025’ anticipates significant shifts in the global job market by 2030.

Net Job Creation: Projects a net increase of 78 million jobs by 2030.

Driving Forces: Technology, economic shifts, and the green transition are key drivers.

Fastest-Growing Roles: Frontline roles (farmworkers, delivery), care economy, tech roles, and green transition jobs.

Declining Roles: Clerical roles (cashiers, data entry clerks, bank tellers) are expected to decline.

Technological Advancements: AI, information processing, robotics, and automation are in high demand.

Green Transition: Climate change mitigation drives demand for renewable energy engineers, environmental engineers, and electric/autonomous vehicle specialists.

Demographic Shifts: Aging populations drive demand for healthcare. Growing workforces in low-income nations boost demand for educators and talent managers.

Geoeconomic Fragmentation: Geopolitical tensions are prompting business model changes and boosting demand for security roles and cybersecurity skills.

India: Leading in AI skills enrollments. Indian employers expect faster tech adoption than the global average. India, along with Sub-Saharan Africa, will supply nearly two-thirds of new workforce entrants.

India’s Challenges: Job displacement due to automation, skill mismatch, uneven technology adoption, and challenges in the informal sector.

Way Forward: Upskilling initiatives, DEI programs, AI adoption for workforce improvements, talent retention strategies, and public policy support are needed.

Conclusion: Upskilling, adapting to technological shifts, and prioritizing diversity are essential for resilient labor markets.

What: The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention took place in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

• Why: It recognizes the Indian diaspora’s contributions to India.

When & Where: Held from January 8-10, 2025, in partnership with the Odisha government.

• Why: To facilitate government interaction with overseas Indians and strengthen ties.
• Why: First PBD held in Eastern India.

Significance: Celebrated annually, later becoming a biennial event.

• Why: It Commemorates Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India on January 9, 1915, symbolizing returning Indians.

Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA): The highest honor given by the Indian government to overseas Indians.

• Why: To acknowledge and recognize contributions to India, like promoting India’s image, supporting India’s causes, building links, and social/humanitarian work, among others.

What is it? Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting livestock (cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and other cloven-hoofed ruminants). It’s not related to hand, foot, and mouth disease in humans.

Economic Impact: FMD is a transboundary animal disease (TAD) causing significant economic losses by disrupting livestock production and international trade.

Global Presence: The disease circulates in a large percentage of the global livestock population, especially in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, and some areas of South America.

Not a Human Threat: FMD poses no risk to human health or food safety.

Cause: Caused by an aphthovirus of the family Picornaviridae, with seven strains (A, O, C, SAT1, SAT2, SAT3, and Asia1). Immunity to one strain doesn’t protect against others.

Transmission: Found in excretions and secretions. Infected animals exhale the virus, spreading it through the air (respiratory/oral routes).

Symptoms: Fever and blisters on tongue, lips, mouth, teats, and hooves. Leads to lameness, reluctance to move/eat, hypersalivation, appetite loss, weight loss, reduced growth, and decreased milk production. Can be high mortality in young animals.

Disease Impact: Causes production losses, often leaving animals weakened even after recovery.

WOAH Significance: FMD was the first disease recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), highlighting its global importance.

Vaccination: Vaccines are available but must match the specific viral type/subtype causing the outbreak.

Lack of Transparency: The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) points out missing data on the GOBARdhan portal regarding operational Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants. This makes it difficult to assess the program’s progress and address challenges faced by entrepreneurs.

Slow Adoption: Only 115 CBG plants are currently operational (as of December 2024). This is significantly behind the scheme’s goal of establishing 5,000 plants by 2030, raising concerns about achieving the set targets.

Information Gaps: A crucial deficiency is the absence of detailed information on the types of organic waste (feedstock) used by individual CBG plants listed on the GOBARdhan portal. This information gap hinders comprehensive analysis.

Operational Transparency Deficit: The portal lacks a dedicated section providing regularly updated information on operational CBG plants. This lack of transparency makes it harder for policymakers to understand and resolve operational issues and entrepreneur challenges.

GOBARdhan Scheme Overview: The GOBARdhan scheme, spearheaded by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, aims to convert waste into wealth through Biogas /CBG/Bio-CNG plants. It supports the circular economy and sustainable growth. CBG helps replace fossil fuels, manage waste, and reduce open burning.