Daily Current Affairs and News Analysis 31-01-2025

First Defence Export: India’s Ordnance Clothing Factory (OCF) in Avadi made its first defence export, fulfilling an order to the Republic of Suriname.

• Why: This signifies a milestone in India’s defence manufacturing capabilities and export ambition.

Products Exported: The export likely includes items manufactured by OCF Avadi, such as bullet-resistant jackets, ballistic helmets, vests, and bomb suppression blankets.

• Why: Highlights the specific defence products India is now capable of supplying internationally.

Future Soldier System: OCF is developing advanced soldier systems, including lightweight, digitally printed, antibacterial camouflage uniforms and lightweight ballistic helmets.

• Why: Showcases India’s commitment to modernizing its defence equipment and increasing soldier effectiveness.

Growth in Defence Exports: India’s defence exports have significantly increased, reaching over Rs 21,000 crore in 2023-24.

• Why: Demonstrates the expanding global presence and potential of Indian defence industry with a target of Rs 50,000 crore by 2029.

Suriname as Customer: The Republic of Suriname, a nation in South America, is the recipient of the initial export.

• Why: Shows the reach of India’s defence industry and its ability to secure orders from international clients.

US President Orders Migrant Detention Center at Guantánamo Bay: An executive order directs preparation for a large-scale migrant detention center at the US naval base.

Guantánamo Bay’s Location and Strategic Importance: It’s a well-sheltered bay in southeastern Cuba with a narrow entrance, capable of accommodating large vessels. Its strategic location near the Windward Passage connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean Sea and Panama.

Guantánamo Bay’s Existing Facilities: “Gitmo” has been used to house terrorism suspects since 9/11. It also has a smaller Migrant Operations Centre, historically used for migrants intercepted at sea.

Capacity Concerns: The existing Migrant Operations Centre lacks the capacity to house a large number of detainees.

Creation of Bharat Sovereign Wealth Fund (BSWF) considered: India is exploring establishing a BSWF to unlock dormant national wealth.

Definition of SWF: Government-owned funds investing state surpluses (natural resources, trade surpluses) for financial stability and economic growth.

Why India needs a SWF:

• Unlock Public Sector Wealth: Potentially unlocking Rs 40 lakh crore from listed state-owned enterprises.
• Fiscal Deficit Reduction: Potential USD 10 billion annual generation through 2% government equity divestment.
• Diversifying Investments: Reduce reliance on ‘secure’ securities like US treasuries.
• Capitalizing on Excess Reserves: Better utilization of forex reserves.
• Support for Strategic Sectors: Drive growth in electric vehicles, hydrogen energy, semiconductors, etc.
• Social Welfare: Generate non-debt resources for social commitments.
• Projecting Soft Power: Support advocacy, disaster relief, and investment in other nations’ SWFs.

Concerns Associated with SWFs for India:

• Current Account Deficit: India has deficits, unlike typical SWF countries with surpluses.
• Macroeconomic Risks: Global slowdown, debt, financial conditions could negatively impact SWF returns.
• Geopolitical Tensions: Disrupt cross-border investments.
• Environmental Risks: Potential losses from climate-exposed industries.
• Technological Vulnerabilities: Fraud and data theft risks.

Way Forward:

• Clear Governance Framework: Transparency, accountability, compliance with Santiago Principles.
• Strategic Asset Allocation: Focus on AI, biotech, EVs, semiconductors.
• Fiscal Prudence: Phased allocation of resources, balancing deficit management and investment.
• Risk Management: Mitigate macroeconomic risks and adopt ESG principles.

• Critical minerals are vital for green energy, electronics, defense, and medical equipment.
• India is heavily dependent on imports, particularly from China.
• Addresses surging lithium-ion battery demand driven by EV adoption.
• Aligns with global trends of securing critical mineral supplies.

• India released a list of 30 critical minerals.
• Amendments to mining laws streamline exploration and auctioning.
• GSI is undertaking numerous exploration projects.
• Customs duties on critical minerals have been eliminated.
• KABIL acquired lithium exploration rights in Argentina.

IndiaAI Mission & GPU Usage: Six companies will leverage newly available GPUs to develop Indian foundational AI models, as announced by the Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology. This highlights the government’s push for AI development using advanced computing infrastructure.

GPU Definition: A GPU is an electronic circuit designed for rapid mathematical calculations. It’s a chip component similar to a CPU, but excels in parallel processing.

GPU Evolution: Originally designed for 3D graphics rendering in the 1990s, GPUs have transformed computer software and video games. They now enable vivid and realistic on-screen visuals.

Expanded GPU Applications: Beyond graphics, GPUs are now crucial in high-performance computing, machine learning, AI, weather forecasting, and cryptocurrency mining.

CPU vs. GPU: CPUs handle general-purpose tasks with fewer, more complex cores, excelling in sequential processing. GPUs are optimized for specialized tasks like 3D rendering with numerous, simpler cores, and are

GPU Purpose: GPUs handle graphics-related tasks such as rendering graphics, applying effects, and processing videos.

GPU Types: Integrated (built-in) and dedicated (discrete graphics cards).

CPU’s Central Role: The CPU is the main processing device, acting as the computer’s control center.

Why in News: A study published in the European Journal of Human Genetics has revised the timeline of Nicobarese migration to the Nicobar Islands.

Revised Migration Timeline: DNA analysis suggests the Nicobarese ancestors arrived approximately 5,000 years ago, correcting the previous estimate of over 11,000 years ago.

Genetic Link: The Nicobarese share ancestral ties with the Htin Mal community (Laos-Thailand region), supporting migration from Southeast Asia.

Preservation of Genetic Identity: Geographical isolation has allowed the Nicobarese to maintain their genetic identity, aiding ancestry tracing.

Linguistic Continuity: They have retained their Austroasiatic language roots (Khmuic branch), linking them to Southeast Asian populations.

Geography: The Nicobarese inhabit the Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal, part of India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands Union Territory. The major islands are Car Nicobar, Kamorta, Nancowrie, and Great Nicobar.

Ethnic Group: They belong to the Mongoloid ethnic group, with a population of over 27,000. They are classified into six territorial groups.

Social Structure: They follow a patriarchal joint family system called Tuhet, which collectively owns land, coconut trees, and pigs.

News: An ethnographic study recommends reorganizing 179 Denotified Tribes (DNTs), Nomadic Tribes (NTs), and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (SNTs) into SC, ST, and OBC lists. Currently under NITI Aayog review.

Recommendations: 46 communities for OBC, 29 for SC, and 10 for ST status across states/UTs. Uttar Pradesh potentially sees the most changes.

Issue of Non-Traceability: 63 communities deemed “not traceable” posing a challenge for categorization and raising questions about assimilation.

Categorization Corrections: Study suggests fixing the classification of 9 existing communities.

SC/ST/OBC Inclusion Criteria:

• SC: Extreme backwardness linked to untouchability.
• ST: Primitive traits, distinct culture, isolation, backwardness.
• OBC: Socio-educational and economic backwardness, underrepresentation.

Procedure for Altering Lists:

• Starts with State Government/UT proposal.
• Scrutiny by Registrar General of India (RGI), NCSC/NCST for SC/ST, and National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) for OBC.
• Evaluation by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment with RGI inputs.
• Union Cabinet approval needed.
• Constitutional Amendment Bill passed by Parliament with a special majority.
• Presidential assent required for enactment.

Why: Aims to address the socio-economic backwardness of DNTs, NTs, and SNTs by providing them access to reservation benefits available to SCs, STs, and OBCs, if recommendations are accepted.

World Leprosy Day: Observed annually on January 30th to raise awareness and dispel misconceptions about leprosy.

What is Leprosy: A chronic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. Affects skin and peripheral nerves primarily.

Impact of Leprosy: Can lead to progressive and permanent disabilities if left untreated. Those affected often face stigma and discrimination.

Global Prevalence: Classified as a neglected tropical disease (NTD), present in over 120 countries, with over 200,000 new cases reported annually.

Transmission: Spread through droplets from the nose and mouth of untreated individuals after prolonged, close contact. Not spread through casual contact. Patient becomes non-infectious upon treatment initiation.

Symptoms: Symptoms appear typically 3-5 years post-exposure. Key symptoms include disfiguring skin sores, lumps, or bumps that persist for weeks or months. Loss of sensation can occur in affected areas.

Treatment: Curable with multidrug therapy (MDT) consisting of dapsone, rifampicin, and clofazimine.

Curability: Leprosy is 100% curable with MDT.

Immunity: Most people (approximately 95%) possess natural immunity and will not contract the disease even if exposed.

Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso Exit ECOWAS: These West African nations have withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States.

Alliance of Sahel States: The three countries formed a separate alliance, seeking military support from Russia.

Geopolitical Shift: The move signifies a distancing from the US and France.

ECOWAS Background: ECOWAS is a regional group of 15 West African countries (before the withdrawal), established in 1975 to foster economic integration and development.

ECOWAS Actions: ECOWAS has previously deployed peacekeeping forces, demonstrating its role in regional stability.

Martyrs’ Day/Shaheed Diwas: India observes it on January 30th annually.

Commemoration: Honors those who sacrificed their lives for India’s independence.

Mahatma Gandhi’s Assassination: Focuses on the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi (“Mahatma Gandhi Punyatithi”).

Date & Location: Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948, at Birla House in Delhi.

Assailant: Nathuram Godse assassinated him during an evening prayer.

Tributes at Raj Ghat: People gather at Raj Ghat (Gandhi’s memorial in Delhi) for prayer meetings.

Why: To remember and pay respects to Mahatma Gandhi and other martyrs for their role in India’s freedom struggle. Remembering his ideals and sacrifice is crucial for national reflection.

Survey Overview: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released findings from the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES).

Purpose of HCES: It collects data on household spending on goods and services. This data is crucial for:

• Tracking economic well-being.
• Updating the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
• Measuring poverty, inequality, and social exclusion.
• Analyzing Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure (MPCE), a primary economic indicator.

Key Finding: Urban-Rural Consumption Gap: The difference in consumption between urban and rural areas is decreasing across major Indian states.

Key Finding: Rising MPCE: Average MPCE is increasing for all types of households in both rural and urban areas.

Key Finding: State-wise Consumption Disparity: Kerala, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, and Bihar show the smallest difference between urban and rural MPCE among 18 major states.

Key Finding: Declining Inequality: Consumption inequality has decreased in both rural and urban areas for most major states between 2022-23 and 2023-24.

Key Finding: Gini Coefficient Improvement: The Gini coefficient, a measure of inequality, has declined in both rural and urban areas nationally. Rural areas went from 0.266 to 0.237, and urban areas went from 0.314 to 0.284.

• Efficient supply chains, reduced waste.
• Access to credit, inputs, and extension services for farmers.
• Increased farmer incomes.
• Food safety improvements through training.
• Better consumer prices by cutting out intermediaries.

• Power imbalances favoring large agribusinesses.
• Risk of default by either farmers or firms.
• Potential loss of control over land for farmers.
• Environmental degradation from intensive practices.
• Food insecurity due to prioritizing cash crops.

• Model APMR Act (2003) introduced registration, dispute resolution.
• Model Contract Farming Act (2018) promoted state-level authorities, FPOs, and insurance.

• Enhance farmer bargaining power through FPOs.
• Strengthen land reform programs.
• Develop product-specific strategies.
• Protect farmers’ interests with legal frameworks.
• Foster partnerships between government and agribusinesses.

Himachal Pradesh Pilot Study: The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet has approved a pilot study by two universities for controlled cannabis cultivation.

Controlled Cannabis Definition: Regulated cultivation of cannabis varieties with minimal intoxicating properties (hemp), strictly monitored to prevent misuse. THC content must be ≤ 0.3%.

Focus on Non-Narcotic Uses: Emphasis on pharmaceutical and industrial applications, not recreational.

Hemp Uses: Hemp can be used for textile, paper, food, cosmetics, biofuel, and CBD, useful for chronic pain treatment.

NDPS Act, 1985: Prohibits cannabis resin and flower production/sale but allows exceptions for industrial and medicinal purposes under government regulation.

State Government Authority: Section 10 allows states to regulate/permit/prohibit cannabis cultivation for medicinal/scientific use.

Central Government Authority: Section 14 allows the central government to authorize/regulate cannabis cultivation for research or approved purposes.

Indian Navy’s Navika Sagar Parikrama-II: Two female officers aboard INSV Tarini crossed Point Nemo as part of their circumnavigation voyage.

Point Nemo Defined: Also known as the Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility, it’s the farthest point from any land on Earth.

Extreme Remoteness: Located 2,688 km from the nearest landmass in the South Pacific Ocean.

Nearest Land: Ducie Island (north), Motu Nui (northeast), and Maher Island (south, Antarctica).

Sparse Marine Life: Due to its location within the South Pacific Gyre, the area has minimal marine life and clear waters.

Space Junk Graveyard: Point Nemo’s remoteness makes it a preferred site for controlled disposal of space debris.

Most Remote Location: Point Nemo is the most isolated spot on Earth, over 1,000 miles from civilization.

Most Peaceful Country: Iceland held the title of the most peaceful country in the world in 2021.

Most Visited Country: France is still the most popular tourist destination in 2024.

Kerala Cooperative Banks Under Scrutiny: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has registered 18 Enforcement Case Information Reports (ECIRs) against cooperative banks/societies in Kerala to investigate alleged money laundering linked to financial irregularities.

ECIR: ED’s Internal Document: An ECIR is the ED’s formal complaint entry, initiating proceedings like asset attachment and arrests under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Not Legally Defined: The PMLA Act (2002) doesn’t mention ECIRs. Its lodging is an ED practice before acting under PMLA.

ECIR vs. FIR: While similar to a First Information Report (FIR), the Supreme Court ruled that an ECIR cannot be equated with an FIR.

Internal Use: The ED considers the ECIR an internal document for case identification and departmental convenience.

No Obligation to Share: The ED isn’t legally required to provide a copy of the ECIR to the accused.

ED’s Reporting Authority: The ED reports to the Department of Revenue under the Ministry of Finance.

CBI vs. ED: The CBI investigates corruption cases; the ED focuses on money laundering.

No State Permission Needed: The ED doesn’t need prior state government permission for investigations.

Coal dust harms plant health: A recent study highlights the detrimental effects of coal mining dust on plants and vegetation.

Stomata Clogging: Coal dust clogs plant stomata, hindering carbon absorption. This negatively impacts ecosystem health.

Range of Impact: Vegetation can be affected up to 30 km from coal mines, with the highest concentrations along transportation routes.

Reduced Carbon Uptake: Plants covered in coal dust absorb significantly less carbon (2-3 grams less per square meter). This contributes to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide and exacerbates global warming.

Impaired Photosynthesis and Transpiration: Dust accumulation obstructs stomata, affecting photosynthesis and water vapor release. Reduced transpiration can lead to overheating.

Stunted Growth and Ecosystem Damage: The combined effects of coal dust pollution result in stunted plant growth, potential plant death, and damage to local ecosystems.

Respiratory Hazards: Open-cast mining generates dust that pollutes air during blasting, drilling, and transportation, which poses respiratory risks.

e-Shram Microsite Launch: The Union Minister for Labour & Employment launched State/UT-specific microsites integrated with the national e-Shram database.

Microsite Functionality: These digital platforms offer unorganized workers easy access to both Central and State welfare programs, employment opportunities, and skilling programs. Two way intergration with e-Shram portal helps in registration.

Microsite Benefits for States/UTs: Ready-to-use digital infrastructure, reduced development costs, real-time analytics for policy decisions, and the ability to include tools specific to their labor market requirements.

Microsite Features: Simplified registration, access to social security benefits, multilingual accessibility, and real-time updates on welfare schemes and employment opportunities.

Significance of Microsite: Enhanced transparency and efficiency in delivering welfare services to unorganized workers.

Occupational Shortage Index (OSI) Introduction: A data-driven tool to identify occupations facing shortages.

OSI Purpose: To align job seekers’ skills with industry demands and bridge skill gaps in high-demand sectors.

OSI Impact: Supports policymakers, training institutions, and businesses in workforce planning and skill development. Guides targeted skill development programs.

e-Shram Portal Goal: To support and empower the unorganized workforce (e.g., landless agricultural laborers, small farmers, weavers).

Why in News: The Economic Survey 2024-25 was tabled in Parliament by the Finance Minister, serving as a roadmap for reforms and growth, and setting the stage for the Union Budget 2025.

Global Economy: Experienced moderate, uneven growth of 3.2% (IMF projection) in 2024. Manufacturing slowed due to supply chain issues, while the services sector remained robust. Inflation eased overall, but service inflation persisted.

India’s GDP Growth: Projected at 6.3-6.8% in FY26. Estimated at 6.4% for FY25, driven by agriculture and services.

Sector Performance:

• Agriculture: 3.8% growth in FY25, fueled by record Kharif production.
• Industry & Manufacturing: 6.2% growth, but manufacturing faced challenges due to weak global demand.
• Services: Fastest-growing sector at 7.2%, led by IT, finance, and hospitality.

External Sector: Overall exports grew by 6% in the first nine months of FY25. Service sector exports grew by 11.6% while merchandise exports grew 1.6%. Imports rose 5.2%, widening the trade deficit. India was a top remittance recipient, keeping the current account deficit at 1.2% of GDP.

Challenges:

• Geopolitical Uncertainties: Russia-Ukraine war, Israel-Hamas conflict, and Suez Canal disruptions impacted trade, energy, and costs.
• Inflation and Investment: Risks of synchronized global price increases persist, with food inflation a concern. Weak manufacturing demand slowed private investment.
• Financial Risks: State fiscal stress due to rising subsidies and lower tax collections.

Way Forward (Key Strategies):

• Managing Geopolitics: Diversify trade routes and strengthen energy security.
• Controlling Inflation: Expand food buffer stocks and promote climate-resilient agriculture.
• Strengthening Finances: Improve tax collection, rationalize subsidies, and encourage state fiscal responsibility.

Guinea Eliminates Gambiense HAT: WHO announced Guinea has successfully eliminated the gambiense form of Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) as a public health problem. This is significant progress in combating the disease.

HAT Transmission: HAT, also known as sleeping sickness, is a parasitic disease transmitted through the bite of infected tsetse flies. It’s endemic in sub-Saharan Africa.

Symptoms & Progression: Initial symptoms include fever, headaches, and joint pain. Without treatment, it progresses to neurological issues like confusion, sleep disruption, and behavioral changes, eventually leading to fatality. Symptoms can take weeks to months to appear post-infection.

Two Forms of HAT:

• Trypanosoma brucei gambiense: Found in West and Central Africa (92% of cases), causes a chronic illness with subtle initial symptoms.
• Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense: Found in East and Southern Africa (8% of cases), causes an acute disease.

At-Risk Populations: Rural populations dependent on agriculture, fishing, animal husbandry, or hunting are most exposed.

Elimination Successes: Togo, Benin, Ivory Coast, Uganda, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, and Chad have also been validated by WHO for eliminating the gambiense form of HAT.

Treatment: Nifurtimox-eflornithine combination therapy (NECT) or fexinidazole.

Diagnosis: Microscopic examination of chancre fluid, lymph node aspirates, blood, or bone marrow.

HAT in Cattle: Called Nagana.