Daily Current Affairs and News Analysis 12-01-2025

NOTTO: Organ & Tissue Network

• NOTTO’s Role: Apex national organization in India for organ and tissue transplant, operating under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

• Legal Basis: Implements the National Organ Transplant Program (NOTP) and adheres to the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA) 1994 and its 2011 Amendment.

• Main Functions: Organ procurement and distribution, maintenance of a national registry of donors and recipients.

• Key Divisions:

  • National Human Organ and Tissue Removal and Storage Network: Coordinates nationwide organ and tissue procurement, distribution, and registry. Mandated by the 2011 Amendment.
  • National Biomaterial Centre (National Tissue Bank): Aims to bridge the gap between tissue demand and supply while ensuring quality.

• Tissue Bank Activities: Coordination, screening, removal, storage, preservation, lab screening, tracking, sterilization, records, data protection, quality management, patient information, guideline development, training, and assisting in tissue bank registration.

• Establishment Timeline: The 2011 Amendment of THOA 1994 laid the foundation for NOTTO, with the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Registry (NOTTR) established in 2015. NOTTO has improved all transplant outcomes.

Hattis: Who Are They?

• Identity: The Hattis are a close-knit community named after their traditional occupation of selling crops at local markets (“haats”).
• Location: They reside along the Himachal Pradesh-Uttarakhand border, in the Giri and Tons river basins.
• Clans: Divided into two main clans, one in Himachal Pradesh and the other in Uttarakhand, sharing similar customs and intermarrying.
• Governance: Governed by a traditional council called ‘khumbli’ that handles community affairs.
• Economy: Primarily agricultural, relying on cash crops. Benefited from tourism in Kinnaur, Lahaul, and Spiti.
• Population: Estimated at around 3 lakhs.
• ST Status: The Indian government granted Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Hatti community in Himachal Pradesh in 2023. Jaunsar-Bawar region was granted tribal status in 1967.
• “Pahadi” Definition: ‘Pahadi’ refers to mountain dwellers, associated with Himalayan regions of India and Nepal.

Why in the news:

• Granting of ST status to the Hatti community in Himachal Pradesh in 2023.

Silver Notice Explained

• New Interpol Alert: The Silver Notice is a new color-coded alert from Interpol.
• Purpose: To help countries track and recover assets obtained through criminal activities (fraud, corruption, drug trafficking, environmental crimes, etc.).
• Focus: Tracing assets laundered across international borders.
• Pilot Project: Currently a pilot project involving 52 countries, including India, running until at least November 2025. 500 notices are available to the participating countries.
• How it Works: Countries request information on properties, vehicles, financial accounts, and businesses linked to criminal activities.
• Facilitates Identification: Helps identify and locate assets for potential seizure or confiscation (subject to national laws).
• India’s Role: India participates and may benefit from tracing and recovering assets from fugitive economic offenders and unaccounted black money.
• Interpol’s broader role: Interpol supports law enforcement with operational activities in priority crime areas, including financial crime.
• Initiation: The initiative was launched following a request from Italy to locate assets of a senior mafia member.

T. indotineae

• Emergence of Trichophyton indotineae: A fungal pathogen causing difficult-to-treat skin infections, widely reported in India and globally.
• Origin and Naming: Named after India in 2020 by a Japanese group, based on isolates from India and Nepal, following the practice of naming pathogens after their initial sighting country.
• Global Spread: Documented in over 40 countries, indicating significant dissemination.
• Type of Fungus: Belongs to the dermatophyte group, causing dermatophytosis (superficial skin, hair, and nail infections).
• Symptoms: Causes inflammatory and itchy dermatophytosis, often widespread, affecting groins, gluteal region, trunk, and face.
• Transmission: Spreads through direct skin contact and contaminated objects.
• Drug Resistance: Resistant to terbinafine, a first-line antifungal agent, posing treatment challenges.
• Treatment Options: While terbinafine resistance is a concern, other oral antifungal agents like griseofulvin, itraconazole, and allylamines can be considered.

Utricularia Explained

• Utricularia (Bladderwort): A diverse genus of approximately 220 species of carnivorous plants within the family Lentibulariaceae. They are the most widespread and diverse genus of carnivorous plants.

• Carnivorous Mechanism: They capture tiny animals (insect larvae, worms, water fleas) using small, active bladders with trap doors that open rapidly (in milliseconds) when triggered by hairs, sucking in prey.

• Habitat: Found in various aquatic and waterlogged environments globally, including lakes, streams, and waterlogged soils. Some species are invasive.

• Plant Structure: Bladderworts lack roots and have horizontal, floating stems with simple or divided leaves. The small carnivorous bladders are produced along the stem and range from dark to transparent.

• Keoladeo National Park Connection: Information about Keoladeo National Park is context for Utricularia, highlighting its biodiversity and importance as a wetland habitat. It’s a Ramsar site and UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to various flora, fauna, and migratory birds.

• Traditional Medicinal Uses: Dried leaves are used to make medicinal tea, for treating urinary tract disorders (kidney stones, UTIs), spasms, fluid retention, swelling, stimulate gallbladder secretions and promote weight loss.

UN Big Data Statistics

• UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics (UN-CEBD): Established in 2014 (with Australia as the initial Chair) to explore Big Data’s potential for official statistics and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) monitoring.

• Governance Advisory Board: Manages the UN-CEBD, meeting ~4 times/year to provide strategic guidance and review progress.

• UN Bureau: Handles day-to-day operations of the UN-CEBD.

• Mandate of UN-CEBD:

  • Strategic vision and coordination for Big Data use in official statistics, including for the 2030 Agenda (SDGs).
  • Promote practical application of Big Data sources (including cross-border data), addressing challenges.
  • Capacity-building, training, and experience sharing.
  • Advocacy for Big Data use in policy, especially SDG monitoring.
  • Building public trust in Big Data’s use for official statistics.

• UN Statistical Commission’s Primary Function: The highest decision-making body for international statistics. It sets statistical standards and develops concepts and methods for national and international implementation.

Why is this newsworthy?

• The UN-CEBD plays a crucial role in leveraging Big Data for official statistics, particularly for tracking progress on the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Its work is essential for ensuring that data-driven policies are based on reliable and trustworthy information.
• The UN Statistical Commission, which oversees these efforts, holds significant authority in the global statistical landscape.

Blue Flag

• Blue Flag Certification: A globally recognized eco-label awarded by the Foundation for Environment Education (FEE) in Denmark. Started in France (1985), expanded outside Europe in 2001.
• Purpose: Promotes sustainable development in freshwater and marine areas.
• Criteria: Focuses on four key areas: water quality, environmental management, environmental education, and safety.
• Mission: To foster sustainability in the tourism sector through environmental education, protection, and sustainable practices.
• Indian Beaches: Several beaches in India have achieved Blue Flag status, including Shivrajpur (Gujarat), Ghoghla (Diu), Kasarkod & Padubidri (Karnataka), Kappad (Kerala), Rushikonda (Andhra Pradesh), Golden (Odisha), Radhanagar (Andaman & Nicobar), Kovalam (Tamil Nadu), Eden (Puducherry), Minicoy Thundi & Kadmat (Lakshadweep).
• First in Asia: Chandrabhaga beach (Odisha) was the first beach in Asia to achieve Blue Flag certification.
• Significance: Indicates a beach is environment-friendly, clean, and maintained with international-standard amenities for tourists.

Generation Beta

• Generation Beta Defined: Children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2039, will be classified as Generation Beta. This marks a new generational cohort.

• Succession: Generation Beta succeeds Generation Alpha (born 2010-2024), also known as the iPad Generation.

• Naming Conventions: Generational names have evolved, initially tied to societal events (Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials) and now using the Greek alphabet (Alpha, Beta).

• Historical Context: Previous generations (Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z, Gen Alpha) were shaped by specific historical events, economic conditions, and technological advancements, influencing their values and characteristics.

• Generation Alpha Characteristics: Tech-savviness, social media immersion, formative experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic, environmental awareness, and focus on mental health are key traits of Generation Alpha.

• Projected Gen Beta Traits: Generation Beta is expected to be even more digitally integrated, experience a seamless blend of digital and physical realities, and prioritize sustainability due to inheriting challenges like climate change, population shifts, and urbanization. They will view sustainability as an expectation.

• Significance: Understanding generational shifts provides insights into evolving values, priorities, and potential societal impacts driven by new cohorts.

Shastri: The Man of Peace

• 59th Death Anniversary: January 11 marked the

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  59th death anniversary of Lal Bahadur Shastri, India’s second Prime Minister, making it a significant date for remembrance.

• Tashkent Declaration: Shastri passed away in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, shortly after signing the Tashkent Declaration, with the cause of death reportedly cardiac arrest.

• Early Life & Education: Born in 1904, Shastri dropped his surname to oppose the caste system. He earned the title ‘Shastri’ (scholar) upon graduating from Kashi Vidyapeeth.

• Role in Independence Struggle: Shastri dedicated his youth to India’s independence movement.

• Ministerial Roles: Post-independence, he served as Minister of Police and Transport (introducing women bus conductors and water jets for crowd control), and later as Union Minister for Railways and Transport.

• Resignations on Moral Grounds: Shastri resigned twice as Railway Minister following train accidents, accepting moral responsibility – highlighting his integrity.

• Home Minister & Language Policy: As Home Minister, he addressed language concerns by ensuring English would continue as an official language alongside Hindi.

• Addressing Food Shortages: During food crises in the 1960s, Shastri introduced the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and established the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).

• “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”: Shastri coined this slogan during the Indo-Pakistan War era to boost morale and address food scarcity. This slogan is also one of the reasons in news.

Youth Day!

• What: National Youth Day, also known as Vivekananda Jayanti or Rashtriya Yuva Diwas.
• When: Celebrated annually on January 12.
• Why: To commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.
• Significance: Acknowledges the potential of youth in nation-building, inspires young people to contribute positively to society, honors Swami Vivekananda’s contributions to Indian society through his teachings.
• History: Declared by the Government of India in 1984; first celebrated in 1985.
• Youth Demographics: Youth (15-29 years) comprise nearly 40% of India’s population.
• Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue: A new initiative introduced for National Youth Day 2025. A merit based competition to identify and nurture young talent and provide a platform for innovative ideas and perspectives.
• Viksit Bharat Challenge: competition involves quizzes, essay writing, and vision presentations, with finalists presenting their ideas.
• Focus: Focuses on harnessing youth’s potential and innovative ideas for national development.

Punatsangchhu-II Hydro

• Project: Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project (PHEP-II).
• Type: 1020 MW run-of-the-river hydroelectric power-generating facility.
• Location: Wangdue Phodrang district, Bhutan, on the right bank of the Punatsangchhu River.
• Developer: Punatsangchhu II Hydroelectric Project Authority, under an Inter-Government Agreement (IGA) between Bhutan and India.
• Infrastructure:
  • 91m-high and 223.8m-long concrete gravity dam.
  • 877.46m-long, 12m-diameter diversion tunnel (1118 cubic metres/second discharge).
  • Upper and downstream cofferdams.
  • Underground powerhouse with six 170 MW Francis turbines.
• Power Generation: Expected annual generation of 4,357 million units of electricity.
• Funding: Government of India (GoI): 30% grant and 70% loan at 10% annual interest (repayable in 30 equated semi-annual installments, starting one year after the project’s mean date of operation).
• Power Export: All surplus power will be exported to India.

Why in the News:

The Punatsangchhu-II project is significant due to its large capacity (1020 MW) and its role in Bhutan-India energy cooperation. The project will boost electricity generation for Bhutan and provide power to India. The GoI funding highlights India’s commitment to supporting Bhutan’s hydropower sector.

Esterase Enzymes

• A novel esterase enzyme, produced by the soil bacterium Sulfobacillus acidophilus, has been structurally characterized.

• This enzyme efficiently degrades the common plasticizer diethyl hexyl phthalate (DEHP) into MEHP and 2-ethyl hexanol.

• The esterase, combined with three other enzymes from Comamonas testosteroni, can potentially break down high molecular weight phthalate plasticizers into water and carbon dioxide.

• Integrating the esterase and other enzymes into bacteria significantly extends their active lifespan for continuous plasticizer degradation.

• Using the enzymes independently requires the production of fresh batches for sustained degradation.

• Phthalates, like DEHP, are common plasticizers used in various products, posing a health risk through skin absorption.

Voter Lists

• Context: Accusations of electoral roll manipulation in Delhi elections (AAP vs. BJP) have renewed the debate about linking Voter IDs (EPIC) with Aadhaar.

• Background:

  • EC previously launched NERPAP to remove duplicate voter entries by linking EPIC with Aadhaar.
  • SC interim order (2015) limited mandatory Aadhaar use to welfare schemes and PAN linking, halting NERPAP.
  • Post-Puttaswamy judgement (2018), EC sought amendments to enable voluntary EPIC-Aadhaar linking.

• 2021 Amendments:

  • RP Act, 1950 and The Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 were amended to permit EPIC-Aadhaar linking.
  • The use of the word “may” ensures linking remains voluntary.
  • Inability to provide Aadhaar due to ‘sufficient cause’ cannot result in application denial or entry deletion, with alternate documents accepted.

• Pros and Cons of Aadhaar Linking:

  • Cons: Errors in Aadhaar database may cause wrongful deletions from electoral rolls. Aadhaar is a proof of residence, not citizenship.
  • Cons: Potential misuse of electoral rolls despite back-end linking to happen.

• Way Forward: Public awareness campaigns are needed to highlight benefits of linking (removing duplicate entries, strengthening electoral process). Concerns about vote secrecy compromise must be addressed.

Vaghsheer Submarine

• INS Vaghsheer Commissioning: The INS Vaghsheer is the sixth Kalvari-class submarine to be commissioned into the Indian Navy, marking a significant boost to India’s naval power.

• Kalvari-Class Submarines (Project 75): INS Vaghsheer is part of the Project 75 initiative, which involves the construction of six Scorpene-class submarines. The other five are INS Kalvari, INS Khanderi, INS Karanj, INS Vela, and INS Vagir.

• Advanced Stealth Technology: Vaghsheer incorporates advanced stealth technologies, including reduced noise levels and hydrodynamic design, making it difficult to detect.

• Combat Capabilities: It’s equipped with precision-guided weapons such as torpedoes and anti-ship missiles, enhancing its offensive and defensive capabilities.

• Mission Versatility: Designed for diverse missions, including anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, and operations in various maritime environments.

• Indigenous Systems: It features indigenously developed systems like the air-conditioning plant, internal communication network, and Ku-Band SATCOM system, promoting self-reliance in defense technology.

• Named After Sand Fish: The submarine is named after the sand fish, a deep-sea predator of the Indian Ocean.

• Extensive Trials: It underwent extensive trials after its launch in April 2022, testing its

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  endurance, stealth features, and combat efficiency.

Genome India

• Genome India Project – Phase 2 Launch: Following the completion of the first phase, which sequenced 10,000 genomes to create a baseline map of the Indian population, the project is now moving into its second phase.

• Focus on Disease Sequencing: The second phase will include sequencing the genomes of individuals with specific diseases, expanding the database to one million sequences.

• Goal of Phase 2: Comparing healthy and diseased genomes to identify targets for developing treatments and diagnostics, advancing personalized medicine.

• Diseases of Interest: Includes cancers, diabetes, neurological/neurodegenerative diseases, and rare diseases prevalent in Indian populations.

• Project Overview: Aims to decode the genetic blueprint of India’s diverse population and develop a reference set of genetic variations from 10,000 samples across 99 communities

• Key Institutions Involved: More than 20 research institutions across India are involved, including IISc, CSIR-CCMB and NIMHANS.

• Key Objectives: Develop a biobank of 20,000 blood samples, make genomic data publicly accessible, design genetic chips for low-cost diagnostics, and promote genomic research.

• Significance: Aims at developing genome-based precision medicine in India and inspire young researchers in the field of genomics.