Daily Current Affairs and News Analysis 13-01-2025

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SERS

  • SERS Definition: Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) enhances Raman scattering by molecules adsorbed on rough metal surfaces (typically gold or silver).

  • Signal Amplification: SERS amplifies the Raman scattering signals of molecules close to nanostructured metallic surfaces due to intense local electromagnetic fields created by these surfaces.

  • Technique Type: SERS is a surface-sensitive technique, meaning it’s particularly effective for analyzing molecules at or near a surface.

  • Information Provided: SERS provides the same information as standard Raman spectroscopy but with a significantly stronger signal.

  • Raman Spectroscopy Basics: Raman spectroscopy is used to study vibrational, rotational, and other low-frequency modes in a system, based on inelastic scattering of light.

  • Raman Effect: Raman scattering (or Raman effect) is the inelastic scattering of photons from a molecule. Discovered by C.V. Raman in 1928.

  • Application Areas: SERS is a powerful tool in chemical, material, and life sciences.

SERS

Z-Morh Tunnel

  • Inauguration: Inaugurated to improve all-weather connectivity between Ladakh and Kashmir.
  • Location: 6.5 km long in Ganderbal, Kashmir, at 8,650 feet, bypassing avalanche-prone zones on Srinagar-Leh highway (NH-1).
  • Renaming: Now called Sonamarg tunnel, built under the Thajiwas glacier.
  • Cost & Development: Built at Rs 2,400 crore, initially by BRO, later by NHIDCL (National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited). Started in 2015.
  • Strategic Partnership with Zojila: Improves road access to Ladakh, reducing Srinagar-Ladakh route by 6 km. Works in conjunction with the Zojila tunnel.
  • Zojila Tunnel Significance: The 14.15 km Zojila tunnel, Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel, will ensure year-round connectivity between Srinagar, Kargil, and Leh.
  • Strategic Importance: Ensures year-round connectivity to Ladakh for both military and civilian purposes.

Vivekananda’s 162nd

  • 162nd Birth Anniversary: Celebrated as National Youth Day on January 12th, commemorating Swami Vivekananda.
    • Why: Highlights his enduring influence on Indian youth and his relevance to national development.
  • Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2047: Prime Minister participated in an event engaging youth in nation-building.
    • Why: Aligns with Vivekananda’s emphasis on youth empowerment and their role in shaping India’s future.
  • Swami Vivekananda’s Core Teachings:
    • Philosophical: Introduced Vedanta and Yoga to the West, advocating for a blend of spirituality and material progress.
    • Spiritual: Emphasized self-realization, compassion, and selfless service, drawing from Upanishads, Gita, Buddha, and Jesus.
    • Revivalism: Promoted man-making, character-building education for national regeneration.
    • Why: His philosophies advocate comprehensive advancement, merging cultural and spiritual values with modern progress.
  • Vivekananda’s Values for Youth:
    • Dedication to goals, mental and physical strength, and ethical conduct.
    • Rationality, supporting science and reason, and a humanistic, universalistic nationalism.
    • Why: Encourages holistic development focused on moral strength.
  • Associated Organizations:
    • Founded the Ramakrishna Mission (1897) for service, education, and spiritual upliftment.
    • Established Belur Math (1899) as his permanent residence.
    • Why: Institutionalized his teachings for sustained impact.
  • International Recognition:
    • Addressed the Parliament of Religions in Chicago (1893), representing Hinduism.
    • Addressed the London Hindu Association (1896).
    • Why: Showcased Indian philosophy on a global stage.
  • National Youth Policy 2014: Defines youth as 15-29 age group, comprising nearly 40% of India’s population.
    • Why: Highlights the demographic significance of youth in India’s development.
  • Conclusion:
    • Vivekananda’s teachings and initiatives like Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue prioritize youth empowerment, ethical leadership, and holistic development.
    • Why: Essential for equipping youth to shape India’s future while honoring its heritage.

Neptune Missile Explained

  • Ukrainian-Developed Cruise Missile: The Neptune is a Ukrainian-designed subsonic cruise missile.
  • Anti-Ship and Land-Attack Role: Initially designed as an anti-ship missile, it was later modified for land attacks.
  • Based on Russian Design: It’s based on the Russian Kh-35 cruise missile (NATO: AS-20 Kayak).
  • In Service Since 2021: Entered service with the Ukrainian Navy in March 2021.
  • Key Specs: Weighs 870 kg, 5.05 m long, speed up to 900 km/h, altitude 10-300m (down to 3m on approach), max range 400 km, 350 kg combat weight (150 kg anti-ship).
  • Guidance System: Uses satellite positioning during flight and infrared homing for final approach.
  • Why it matters: This missile is significant due to its Ukrainian origin, its versatility in targeting ships and land, and its potential impact on regional conflicts.
  • India has Cruise Missiles: India possesses BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and BrahMos-II a hypersonic missile also Nirbhay subsonic cruise missile with range of 1,000–1,500 km.
  • Why it matters for India Because India is developing its cruise missile and may enhance relations with Ukraine in the future to improve or get inspiration for new features and designs.

Kumbh Mela 2025: Mobile Access

  • Seamless Mobile Connectivity: The government is ensuring uninterrupted mobile connectivity for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj.

  • Unprecedented Scale: The event anticipates 40 crore devotees over 44 days, potentially creating the highest tele-density ever.

  • Infrastructure Deployment: Over 100 km of optical fibre has been installed, alongside enhanced radio capacity towers. 78 transportable towers and 150 small cell solutions will be used in crowded areas.

  • Emergency Communication: Special centres will be established to support emergency communication and coordinate with local authorities.

  • Event Details: Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 will be held in Prayagraj from January 13th to February 26th, 2025.

  • Significance: Uttar Pradesh has designated the Maha Kumbh area as a new district for four months.

Henley Passport 2025

  • India’s Passport Rank: India has dropped to 85th place in the Henley Passport Index 2025. This is down from 80th in 2024.
    • Why: This ranking reflects a decrease in visa-free access for Indian passport holders.
  • Visa-Free Access: Indian passport holders now have visa-free access to 57 countries.
    • Why: This shows the limited international mobility for Indian citizens compared to higher-ranked countries.
  • Historical Fluctuations: India’s ranking has varied over time, reaching a high of 71st in 2006 and a low of 90th in 2021 (due to the pandemic).
    • Why: Highlights the impact of global events and policies on passport power.
  • Global Leaders: Singapore (195 destinations) and Japan (193) are at the top, with several EU nations and South Korea in third.
    • Why: Illustrates the best passport access globally.
  • Falling Rankings: Notable shifts include the US dropping from 2nd to 9th and the UK from 1st to 5th.
    • Why: Indicates changing geopolitical dynamics and visa policies.
  • Bottom Rankings: Pakistan, Yemen, Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan have the lowest rankings.
    • Why: Reflects significant limitations in international travel for citizens of these countries.
  • Cost-Effective Passport: India’s passport is highlighted for providing the best “cost per year” value.
    • Why: This is an additional positive aspect, emphasizing affordability despite the lower ranking.

Sovereign AI

  • Why in News: India invests in semiconductors and AI to achieve AI sovereignty, crucial for its USD 1 trillion digital economy goal by 2028.
  • What is Sovereign AI: A nation’s ability to develop, control, and deploy AI using its own infrastructure, data, workforce, and business networks.
  • National Control: Aligns AI development with national laws, regulations, and ethics.
  • Data Sovereignty: Ensures data control within borders, protecting privacy and national security.
  • AI in Governance: Generative AI is transforming markets, governance, and industries, with AI copilots enhancing productivity.
  • Ethical Considerations: Allows nations to set security protocols and ethical standards for AI usage.
  • Strategic Autonomy: Reduces dependence on foreign AI technologies, fostering domestic AI capabilities.
  • Economic Competitiveness: Essential for industrial innovation; lacking it risks India’s global competitiveness.
  • Various Applications: Used in critical sectors like defense, healthcare, and transportation.
  • India’s Position: Tata Group and Reliance are developing AI infrastructure and LLMs.
  • IndiaAI Mission: USD 1.2 billion allocated for a sovereign AI project, including an AI supercomputer.
  • Global AI Cooperation: A proposed Global AI Compact suggests sharing AI resources globally for equitable access.

What is UAN?

  • What is UAN? A 12-digit number for salaried employees contributing to the Employee Provident Fund (EPF).
  • Who issues it? The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), authenticated by the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
  • Why is it important? It remains constant throughout an employee’s career, even when jobs change. It acts as a central umbrella for multiple Member Ids (EPF accounts) across different employers.
  • How does it work? When an employee changes jobs, the new employer links the new Member Id to the existing UAN.
  • Benefits for Employees: Allows employees to view details of all their linked EPF accounts in one place.
  • Benefits for EPFO: Helps track job changes of employees.
  • EPF Basics: EPF is the main scheme under the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Act, 1952.
  • EPF Contribution: Both employee and employer contribute 12% of the employee’s basic salary and dearness allowance.
  • EPF Applicability: Compulsory for establishments with 20 or more employees; also applies to some smaller organizations.

Pink Fire Retardant

  • Pink fire retardant, commonly Phos-Chek, is an ammonium phosphate-based slurry used to combat wildfires.
  • It contains salts like ammonium polyphosphate, which persist longer than water, inhibiting fire spread.
  • The pink color aids firefighters in creating visible fire lines, protecting lives and property.
  • Spraying fire retardant from planes is considered by some environmental experts to be ineffective and a source of pollution.
  • Phos-Chek contains toxic metals like chromium and cadmium, which can lead to cancer, kidney, and liver diseases in humans and harm aquatic life.
  • Since 2009, approximately 850,000 pounds of toxic metals from fire retardants have been released into the environment.
  • Fire retardant gels are different from Phos-Chek, being short-term suppressants applied by ground equipment. They are also used to protect stunt people from flames.

Harvest Celebrations

  • Why in News: The President of India greeted citizens on the eve of Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and Magh Bihu, highlighting these harvest festivals’ diverse celebrations across India.

  • Harvest Festivals’ Meaning: These festivals mark the end of the harvesting season in India.

  • Astronomical Significance: They celebrate the Sun’s transition into the Capricorn zodiac (Makara) and the start of Uttarayan (northward journey), signifying the end of winter and a move towards warmer months. They follow the solar cycle, occurring on January 14th.

  • Cultural Significance: Rituals include bathing in sacred rivers, offering food (Naivedhya) to Lord Surya, charity, and breaking fasts.

  • Regional Celebrations:

    • Tamil Nadu (Pongal): A four-day rice harvest festival with home decorations using rice powder kolams.
    • Karnataka: Sharing sesame and jaggery (harmony), cattle dressing and fire-jumping (‘Kicchu Haisodu’).
    • Punjab (Lohri): Bonfires, folk songs, and offerings of groundnuts and popcorn.
    • Bihar: ‘Khichdi’ festival, preparing the dish Khichdi (rice and lentils), distributing sesame and jaggery sweets.
    • Rajasthan & Gujarat: Kite-flying competitions, including the International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad, and sky lanterns.
    • Assam (Magh Bihu): Celebrates the annual harvest and the Assamese new year.

Community Notes vs. Fake News

  • Meta’s Shift: Meta replaces professional fact-checkers with a Community Notes program, similar to X (formerly Twitter).

  • Reasoning: Meta cites partisan behavior of fact-checking organizations.

  • Community Notes: Aims to combat misinformation using user-generated context. Users add notes to posts requiring clarification, visible only with diverse agreement.

  • Concerns in India:

    • Increased misinformation due to untrained users.
    • Potential for biased content to dominate.
    • Delays in addressing misinformation as responsibility shifts to users.
    • Risk of political skew and polarization.
    • Challenges due to India’s diversity and complex issues.

  • Why Fact-Checking Matters:

    • Ensures fair journalism, transparency, and combats misinformation.
    • Protects political integrity during elections.
    • Essential for investigating deepfakes and manipulated media.

  • Challenges in Tackling Fake News:

    • Lack of a clear legal definition.
    • Balancing regulation with free speech.
    • Unintentional sharing by passive re-sharers.
    • Limited platform accountability.
    • Language and regional diversity in India.
    • Rise of deepfakes.

  • Provisions in India:

    • Press Council of India (PCI) can censure media outlets.
    • News Broadcasters Association (NBA) self-regulation.
    • Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections for inciting violence or unrest.
    • Defamation laws.
    • IT Act, 2000 for cybercrimes.

  • Way Forward:

    • Multilingual moderation using AI.
    • Platform accountability for social media companies.
    • Ethical journalism and independent content audits.
    • Public awareness campaigns.
    • Media literacy programs in schools.

RoDTEP Explained

  • Objective: To refund embedded taxes/duties on exported goods that aren’t refunded through other mechanisms, boosting exports.

    • Why: Makes Indian exports more competitive by reducing the tax burden.

    • Effective Date: Implemented January 1, 2021, amending the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20.

    • Why: Provides a defined starting point for businesses to adapt and benefit.

    • Administered By: Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.

    • Why: Ensures governmental oversight and proper implementation.

    • WTO Compliance: Adheres to global principle against exporting taxes/duties.

    • Why: Avoids trade disputes and maintains international trade harmony.

    • Replaces MEIS: Superseded the Merchandise Export Incentive Scheme.

    • Why: Addresses WTO concerns about India’s export subsidies.

    • Tax Reimbursement: Refunds taxes, duties, and levies at central, state, and local levels incurred during production and distribution.

    • Why: Reduces the overall cost of exporting goods and makes products more competitive.

    • Eligibility: Open to all export sectors, including merchant and manufacturer exporters, provided goods are made in India and directly exported.

    • Why: Broad eligibility allows diverse businesses to benefit.

    • Priority Sectors: Labor-intensive sectors (like marine, leather, gems & jewellery, agriculture) receive priority. SEZ & EOU Units and E-commerce exports are also eligible. Re-exported products are not eligible.

    • Why: Focuses support on sectors with high employment potential and strategic importance.

    • Refund Mechanism: Rebates issued as transferrable e-scrips (electronic certificates) based on a

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percentage of FOB value. E-scrips can be used to pay basic customs duty or transferred.

  • Why: Streamlines the refund process and provides flexibility in utilizing the benefits.

    • Indravati

    • Location: Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh.

    • Establishment: Established in 1981.

    • Tiger Reserve: Declared a tiger reserve in 1983 under Project Tiger.

    • Name Origin: Named after the Indravati River, which forms its northern boundary with Maharashtra.

    • Topography: Undulating hilly terrain.

    • Vegetation: Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest (with & without Teak) and Southern Dry Mixed Deciduous Forest. Key tree species include Teak, Achar, Karra, Kullu, Shisham and Semal.

    • Fauna: Home to rare wild buffalo, Nilgai, Black Buck, Sambar, Gaur, Tiger, Leopard, Chital, and Sloth bears.

    • Largest National Park in Chhattisgarh: Guru Ghasidas National Park.

    UN WESP 2025

    • Global Growth Stagnant: The UN projects global economic growth to remain at 2.8% in 2025, the same as in 2024. Why: This signals a lack of significant improvement in the global economic outlook.

    • Infrastructure Investment Key: Capital expenditure on infrastructure development is expected to have strong positive effects on economic growth. Why: Infrastructure projects create jobs and stimulate demand across multiple sectors.

    • Manufacturing & Services Drive Growth: Expansion in the manufacturing and services sectors will be major contributors to economic activity. Why: These sectors are often key drivers of innovation, productivity, and employment.

    • Export Growth to Help: Strong export growth in services, pharmaceuticals, and electronics will support economic activity. Why: Increased exports bring in revenue and boost domestic production.

    • Favorable Monsoon Boosts Agriculture (India): Good monsoon rains in 2024 are expected to increase agricultural output in 2025. Why: Agriculture remains a significant sector in many developing economies, influencing food security and rural incomes.

    • South Asia’s Robust Growth: South Asia’s economic growth is projected to remain strong, primarily driven by India. Projected growth is 5.7% in 2025 and 6% in 2026. Why: Highlights the region’s economic dynamism and India’s pivotal role.

    • Critical Minerals Opportunity: Resource-rich developing countries like India can leverage rising demand for critical minerals to boost growth, create jobs, and increase public revenue. Why: This presents a pathway for sustainable economic development.

    Delft Island

    • Location & Size: Neduntheevu, also called Delft Island, is the largest island in the Palk Strait, belonging to Sri Lanka. It spans 50 sq. km, with dimensions of 8 km in length and 6 km in width.
    • Unique Geography: The island is notably flat, oval-shaped, and wind-swept, lacking streams. Freshwater comes from surface water collected in depressions and ponds. It has dry shrubs, semi-arid tropical plants, and palm trees.
    • Historical Significance: A Dutch fort, built from coral, is located on the island.
    • Demographics: Home to 4,800 Tamil people, residing primarily in the northern part of the island.
    • Language: Sri Lankan Tamil is the primary language.
    • Why in News: The provided content does not indicate any current news events related to Neduntheevu Island. The information focuses on the island’s geographical features, history, demographics, and language, establishing a general profile rather than a specific news angle.

    Delft Island

    Hollongapar Sanctuary

    • Location: Jorhat district, Assam, India.
    • Unique Distinction: Only sanctuary in India named after a gibbon and known for high gibbon population density.
    • Key Fauna: Home to India’s only gibbon species (Hoolock gibbons) and Northeast India’s only nocturnal primate (Bengal slow loris). Other notable species include elephants, tigers and leopards.
    • Flora: Dominated by Hollong trees in the upper canopy and Nahar in the middle canopy.
    • River: The Bhogdoi River borders the sanctuary.
    • National Board for Wildlife (NBWL): Important because its approval is required for construction within the sanctuary and alteration of boundaries as per Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
    • NBWL Composition: Headed by the Prime Minister, with the Environment Minister as Vice Chairperson.
    • Rich Biodiversity: The sanctuary is significant due to its diverse flora and fauna, making it a vital habitat.

    Cryo-Coral Babies

    • Cryo-Born Corals Introduced: The world’s first corals created using cryopreserved sperm have been successfully introduced to the Great Barrier Reef.

    • Cutting-Edge Cryopreservation: Australian scientists used cryopreservation techniques to fertilize coral eggs with frozen sperm.

    • Grown in National Sea Simulator: The resulting coral larvae were nurtured in a controlled environment (National Sea Simulator) before reef deployment.

    • ‘Coral Cradles’ for Protection: Transferred corals were placed in specially designed structures (‘coral cradles’) on the Reef for initial protection.

    • Climate Change Resilience: The project’s goal is to introduce heat-tolerant coral varieties to enhance the reef’s resilience to rising ocean temperatures caused by climate change.

    • CryoDiversity Bank: Australia maintains a large collection of frozen coral sperm from 32 species collected since 2011, called CryoDiversity Bank, providing genetic diversity for restoration efforts.

    • Coral Basics: Corals are invertebrates (Anthozoa, Cnidaria) that build reefs using limestone skeletons secreted by polyps and symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) for nutrients.

    • Hard vs. Soft Corals: Only hard corals, not soft corals, create the massive calcium carbonate structures that form coral reefs.

    • Why it matters : It’s a breakthrough conservation effort to use cryopreservation to improve reefs’ climate resilience.

    NPOP

    • Foundation and Purpose: Launched in 2001, it systematically develops India’s organic agriculture sector. It strengthens the organic certification system.

    • Goals: Promotes sustainable farming, creates opportunities for farmers/exporters, and boosts India’s global organic market competitiveness.

    • Key Activities: Includes accreditation of Certification Bodies, sets organic production standards, and promotes organic farming and marketing.

    • Implementing Agency: APEDA (Ministry of Commerce & Industries) manages the programme.

    • 8th Edition Highlights: Amendments focus on ease of operations and transparency.

    • Simplified Certification: Organic grower groups now have legal status, replacing the Internal Control System (ICS).

    • NPOP Portal: Provides visibility and operational ease for organic stakeholders.

    • Organic Promotion Portal: Helps farmers/FPOs/exporters showcase products, generate trade leads, connect with buyers, access training, and get information on trade events.

    • TraceNet 2.0: Upgraded organic traceability system for seamless operations and better regulatory oversight.

    • APEDA & AgriXchange Portals: Redesigned for improved user experience and data accessibility for stakeholders and the public.

    • Objectives: Evaluates and certifies organic agriculture and products based on government-approved criteria.

    Denotified Tribes: Issues

    • News: Discontent among Denotified Tribes (DNTs), Nomadic Tribes (NTs), and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (SNTs) due to persistent challenges despite government schemes like SEED.
    • Historical Injustice: Stigma from the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871 continues, hindering social and economic inclusion.
    • Unclassified Communities: Many DNTs remain unclassified under SC, ST, or OBC categories, preventing access to welfare schemes. Lack of caste certificates in 29 states further exacerbates the problem. Estimates suggest over 25 crore individuals lack basic identity recognition.
    • Implementation Gaps: Idate Commission recommendations (permanent commission, caste census) remain unaddressed. SEED scheme faces delays and lacks sufficient outreach, overlapping benefits with existing schemes.
    • Lack of Representation: Scarce leadership positions and no full-time chairperson in the DWBDNC.
    • Who are DNTs, NTs, and SNTs?: Communities denotified from the Criminal Tribes Act, often nomadic, with diverse cultural practices. Approximately 10% of India’s population.
    • SEED Scheme: Aims for economic empowerment via coaching, health insurance, livelihoods, and housing. Rs. 200 crore expenditure over five years.
    • Way Forward:
      • Expedite DNT classification (SC/ST/OBC), issue caste certificates (e.g., SC-DNT).
      • Strengthen SEED through NGO participation, simplify eligibility.
      • Conduct caste census, encourage community representation in policymaking.
      • Establish a permanent commission, district-level complaints committees.
    • Why this matters: Addresses historical injustice, promotes inclusion, and ensures equitable access to resources for marginalized communities.

    Illegal E-ticket

    • E-ticket reselling illegal: The Supreme Court declared the unauthorized business of procuring and supplying railway e-tickets illegal, deeming it a social crime.
    • Legal Basis: This ruling stems from Section 143 of the Railways Act, 1989, which penalizes unauthorized ticket sales and procurement (online and offline).
    • Case Precedent: The court referenced the Mathew K Cherian Case, 2025, and extended the applicability of the Railways Act to modern technologies like online ticketing, referencing the English case of Comdel Commodities Ltd. v. Siporex Trade SA Case, 1990.
    • Previous Misinterpretation Corrected: The Supreme Court overruled the Kerala High Court, which had limited the applicability of the law to offline ticket sales.
    • Circumventing Limits: The accused, Mathew, was found to have violated the Act by creating multiple unauthorized user IDs to bypass IRCTC’s ticket reservation limits.
    • Significance: The Indian Railways is crucial infrastructure, serving approximately 673 crore passengers annually, making fair ticketing practices vital.

    California Ablaze

    • Devastating Wildfires: Los Angeles is battling intense wildfires causing fatalities and structural damage. Fire retardants are being deployed.
    • Increased Frequency: Wildfires are occurring more often and outside normal wildfire seasons.
    • Causes of Wildfires:
      • Natural:
        • Lightning strikes igniting dry vegetation.
        • Climate change, specifically unusual wet/dry cycles, creating fuel for fires.
        • Strong Santa Ana winds spreading flames rapidly.
      • Human Intervention:
        • Unattended campfires, sparks from vehicles, faulty power lines, arson, etc.
    • Impacts:
      • Economic loss from destruction.
      • Air pollution from particulate matter, acids, and other chemicals.
      • Land degradation, loss of nutrients and vegetation.
      • Loss of biodiversity.
    • Pink Fire Retardant:
      • Chemical mix containing ammonium phosphate slurry and potentially toxic metals (chromium and cadmium in some formulations).
      • Phos-Chek contains ammonium phosphate fertilizers and a red dye.
      • Coats vegetation to prevent combustion by cutting off oxygen.
      • Pink color chosen for visibility.
    • Retardant Concerns: Toxic metals pose health risks (cancer, organ damage) and environmental risks to aquatic life.