16.01.25

Daily Current Affairs and News Analysis 16-01-2025

by

Sydney Funnel-Web

  • New Funnel-Web Spider Species Discovered: Scientists have identified a new, large funnel-web spider species, Atrax christenseni, nicknamed “Big Boy,” near Newcastle, Australia.

  • Distinctive Features: This spider, reaching 9cm in length, has shiny, dark brown to black coloring, finger-like spinnerets, larger venom glands, and longer fangs.

  • Venomous Males: As with other Sydney funnel-webs, only the male’s venom is deadly to humans.

  • Habitat: These spiders inhabit bushy suburban areas and forests, favoring shady, sloped areas.

  • Dangerous Arachnid: Funnel-web spiders are considered among the world’s most dangerous. Their venom contains approximately 40 toxic proteins.

  • Antivenom Source: Raw venom is crucial for producing life-saving antivenom.

  • Most Dangerous: The Sydney funnel-web spider (Atrax robustus) holds the Guinness World Record for being the most dangerous spider to humans.

Deccan Volcanism & India’s Drift

  • News: New study shows tropical flora resilient during Deccan Volcanism, while fauna suffered mass extinctions.

  • Deccan Volcanism:

    • Massive volcanic eruptions forming Deccan Traps in India, linked to a mantle plume.
    • Contributed to Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) extinction event (66 million years ago), impacting ammonoids and dinosaurs globally.
    • Supported diverse tropical flora due to fertile habitats, warm climate and plate movement.

  • Indian Plate Movement:

    • India part of Gondwanaland, breaking off around 215 million years ago.
    • Separated from Africa (~165-150 Ma) and Antarctica-Australia (~130-120 Ma).
    • Réunion hotspot (mantle plume) caused Deccan Traps formation as India moved north.

  • Collision with Asia:

    • Collided ~50-35 Ma ago, forming Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau.
    • Closed Tethys Sea.
    • Altered global climate, established Indian monsoon.

  • Key Impacts:

    • Volcanism and plate movement shaped global biodiversity.
    • Indian Plate movement created the Himalayas.
    • Significant climate changes.

IMD@150 & Mission Mausam

  • 150th Foundation Day of IMD: Celebrated on 15th January 2025, marking a significant milestone for the Indian Meteorological Department.

  • Mission Mausam Launch: A government initiative to enhance weather forecasting, modeling, and dissemination capabilities.

    • Budget: ₹2,000 crore allocated for the first two years.
    • Objectives: Improve forecast accuracy (5-10%), enhance air quality prediction, extend predictions to the panchayat level (10-15 day lead time).
    • Technology: AI, machine learning, high-performance computing to be used.
    • Weather Management: Exploration of weather modification techniques like cloud seeding.
    • Phases: Two phases over five years, focusing on expanding observational networks (Doppler radars, etc.) and introducing satellites/aircraft.

  • IMD Vision-2047 Document: A strategic document setting targets for weather forecasting and disaster management by 2047.

    • Key Objectives:
      • 100% detection of severe weather at the village/household level.
      • Forecast Accuracy: 100% (3 days), 90% (5 days), 80% (7 days), 70% (10 days).
      • Zero deaths from weather events through early warnings.

  • WMO Participation: The Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) participated in the event.

Turmeric Board

  • National Turmeric Board (NTB) Launched: The Ministry of Commerce & Industry established the NTB, headquartered in Nizamabad, Telangana.

  • Purpose: To boost turmeric cultivation, production, processing, marketing, and farmer income.

  • Expanded Board Portfolio: The Ministry now oversees six product-specific boards, including tea, coffee, rubber, spices, and tobacco.

  • Board Composition: Includes a Chairperson (appointed by the Central Government) and representatives from various ministries and state governments.

  • Objectives:

    • Farmer welfare across 20 states.
    • Research, new product development, and value addition for domestic and international markets.
    • Raising awareness of turmeric’s health benefits.

  • Turmeric Facts:

    • Underground stem of the Curcuma longa plant (ginger family).
    • Curcumin is the active compound.
    • India grows over 30 varieties.

  • India’s Dominance: Largest producer, consumer, and exporter globally (75% of world production, 62% of exports in 2022-23).

  • Export Value: In 2022-23, India exported 1,53,400 tonnes of turmeric products, valued at USD 207.45 million.

  • Key Export Markets: Bangladesh, UAE, the US, and Malaysia.

  • GI Tags: Several varieties of turmeric have received Geographical Indication (GI) tags, including Lakadong, Kandhamal, Erode, and Armoor turmeric.

  • Medical Properties: Curcumin offers anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and digestive health benefits.

Data Havens

  • India is in advanced discussions to host the UAE’s first data embassy, likely in Andhra Pradesh. This is significant because it establishes a framework for international data storage and sovereignty.

  • Data embassies allow nations to store copies of their sovereign data in another country, maintaining control over the data. This is crucial for data continuity in the event of disasters or geopolitical instability.

  • India intends to create special strategic zones for data centers, hosting sovereign data for multiple countries. These zones will function similarly to consular divisions, managing privacy and access. This is important as it positions India as a secure global data storage hub.

  • Estonia pioneered the concept of data embassies, storing its data in Luxembourg after a cyberattack in 2007. This demonstrates the real-world need and application of data embassies for national security.

  • Data embassies enable data localization without being subject to foreign data regulations. This provides countries with greater control and flexibility over their data.

  • Setting up data embassies will enhance India’s geopolitical standing as a stable location for data storage amidst global uncertainties. This contributes to India’s growing influence in the digital realm.

Indian Agriculture: Evolving

  • Evolutionary Crossroads: Indian agriculture faces challenges despite its long history, including climate change, land scarcity, water depletion, and rising costs.

  • Shifting Economic Contribution: Agriculture’s share of Gross Value Added has decreased (61.7% in 1950 to 16.3% in 2020), but a significant portion of the workforce (46.5%) still relies on it, reflecting its importance but also indicating a need for diversification.

  • From Subsistence to Market-Oriented Farming: Initially, farmers focused on family needs. This progressed into practices that are increasingly profit driven.

  • Dominance of Small Landholdings and Monsoon Dependence: Over 86% of landholdings are small or marginal, and a significant portion of cultivated land relies on the monsoon.

  • Profit-Driven Practices: There is a shift to high-value crops (horticulture, etc.) and capital-intensive methods, indicating specialization and market orientation.

  • Challenges and Solutions: Soil degradation, lack of infrastructure (storage, roads), and limited credit for small farmers are critical issues. Government initiatives like PM-KISAN and FPO promotion are aimed at addressing these problems, including technology adoption and infrastructure development.

Lokpal Day

  • Event: Lokpal Foundation Day observed annually on January 16th. In 2025, Anna Hazare, Justice (retd) N. Santosh Hegde, and Attorney-General R. Venkataramani will be felicitated.

  • Significance: Commemorates the enforcement of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, aimed at combating corruption and promoting accountability.

  • Lokpal’s Role: An independent statutory body to investigate corruption allegations against public functionaries. Acts as an “ombudsman.”

  • Limitations:

    • 7-year limitation period for filing complaints may exclude older cases.
    • Severe penalties for false complaints might deter genuine complainants.
    • Concerns exist regarding the Lokpal’s independence from political influence.
    • Lokpal is yet to initiate prosecution against any individual for corruption despite handling many
      Subscribe on YouTube
      complaints.
    • Exemptions for matters of national security and international relations limit its scope.
    • Lack of a robust oversight mechanism for the Lokpal’s own functioning.

  • Way Forward:

    • Review the limitation period for filing complaints.
    • Implement balanced penalties for false complaints.
    • Strengthen safeguards to ensure Lokpal’s independence.
    • Streamline processes and improve operational efficiency based on ARC recommendations.
    • Clarify Lokpal’s supervisory powers over other agencies like CBI, ED, and CVC.
    • Incorporate international best practices, including whistleblower protection.

The AEC

  • Governing Body: The Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) is the governing body of India’s Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).

  • Historical Context: First established in August 1948 within the Department of Scientific Research. The DAE itself was formed on August 3, 1954, directly under the Prime Minister. The AEC was later established within the DAE in 1958.

  • Broad Mandate: The DAE, overseen by the AEC, handles all aspects of atomic energy, including power and non-power applications.

  • Nuclear Power Focus: This includes uranium exploration and processing, fuel fabrication, heavy water production, nuclear power plant construction and operation, fuel reprocessing, and waste management.

  • Research & Development: DAE, steered by the AEC, also engages in R&D for advanced reactors, fusion, accelerators, electronics, materials science, and biological sciences.

  • Non-Power Applications: Covers isotope and radiation technologies for healthcare, agriculture, industry, and environmental applications.

  • Policy Formulation: The AEC is responsible for formulating the policy of the DAE.

  • Leadership: The Secretary of the DAE is the ex-officio Chairman of the AEC. Other members are appointed annually based on the Chairman’s recommendation and the Prime Minister’s approval.

  • Headquarters: Located in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

  • First Chairman: Homi Jehangir Bhabha was the first Chairman of the AEC (1948-1966).

Electrokinetic Mining

  • Electrokinetic Mining: A Sustainable Alternative: This novel technique uses electric fields to extract valuable resources, offering a more sustainable approach compared to conventional methods.
  • Problem with Current Rare Earth Mining: Current heavy rare earth element (HREE) extraction from ion-adsorption rare earth deposits (IADs) relies heavily on ammonium-salt leaching, leading to significant environmental damage. This method is also inefficient.
  • Reduced Leaching Agent Usage: Electrokinetic mining significantly reduces the need for harmful leaching agents by 80%, minimizing the environmental impact.
  • Lower Energy Consumption: The process requires 60% less energy than conventional methods, contributing to a smaller carbon footprint.
  • High Recovery Rate: Electrokinetic mining boasts a recovery rate exceeding 95%, making it a highly efficient extraction method.
  • Environmental and Economic Benefits: Electrokinetic mining offers a pathway to simultaneously reduce environmental damage and improve the recovery rate of rare earth elements (REEs).
  • Electrolysis Comparison: While electrokinetic mining uses electric fields to accelerate migration, electrolysis uses direct electric current to create a chemical reaction for metal purification, such as in copper extraction.

Diego Garcia

  • Fishermen Arrest: Ten Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu were arrested by the British Navy near Diego Garcia for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). This highlights ongoing issues faced by Indian fishermen.

  • Diego Garcia’s Location: Diego Garcia is a strategically located coral atoll in the central Indian Ocean, part of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT). Its position is crucial for international trade routes.

  • Military Base: Diego Garcia hosts a joint UK-US military base, a key logistical hub for operations in the Indo-Pacific region. This underscores its geopolitical significance.

  • Sovereignty Dispute: Mauritius claims sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia. The UK plans to transfer sovereignty to Mauritius in the future while retaining a long-term lease for the military base. This is a long standing and ongoing dispute.

Whiplash Weather

  • Definition: Hydroclimate whiplash is a rapid transition from extreme wet to extreme dry conditions, or vice versa.

  • Cause: Global warming intensifies the water cycle. Warmer air holds more moisture, leading to longer dry periods and more intense rainfall when precipitation eventually occurs.

  • Mechanism: Warmer atmosphere has the capacity to hold more water for a longer time leading to dry spells and intense rainfall when it occurs.

  • Impacts:

    • Increased frequency of droughts and floods.
    • Fires exacerbated by dry conditions lead to respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
    • Flooding creates conditions for waterborne diseases (e.g., cholera, leptospirosis).

  • Frequency Increase: Sub-seasonal (3-month) hydroclimate whiplash has increased by 31-66%, and inter-annual (12-month) whiplash by 8-31% since mid-20th century globally.

  • Hydroclimate Definition: The study of the interaction between hydrology (water cycle) and climate, and their respective impacts on each other.

Bharat Ranbhoomi

  • Historic Initiative: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched “Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan” on January 15, 2025, during Army Day celebrations, marking a significant step in showcasing India’s military heritage.

  • Joint Effort: This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Tourism.

  • Focus on Key Battlefield Sites: It highlights iconic war zones like Siachen, Galwan, Longewala, Kibithoo, and Bum La Pass, offering insights into India’s military history and sacrifices.

  • Digital Platform: A dedicated app and website provide virtual tours, historical narratives, and travel information to enhance visitor experience and understanding.

  • Economic and Educational Benefits: The initiative aims to boost local economies through tourism, offer educational opportunities, and instill patriotism. This aligns with the “Incredible India” campaign.

  • Strategic Significance: Many sites are located along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan, areas with a history of conflict.

  • Understanding LAC and LoC: The article provides a context for understanding the LAC (unagreed demarcation with China) versus the LoC (defined by the 1972 Shimla Agreement with Pakistan).

FTI-TTP Explained

  • The Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Program (FTI-TTP) speeds up immigration for Indian Nationals and Foreign Nationals holding OCI Cards.
  • Launched at Delhi’s IGI Airport in 2024, and will be expanded to 21 major airports across India. Currently being introduced at 7 major airports in addition to Delhi—Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Ahmedabad.
  • Aims to facilitate faster, smoother, and more secure international mobility.
  • Enrollment requires online registration, authentication via OTP and email, and a passport valid for at least 6 months.
  • Eligible applicants provide Biometrics (fingerprint and face image) for identity verification, captured at FRRO or the airport.
  • Registered passengers scan their boarding pass and passport at e-gates for clearance.
  • Registration validity is for a maximum of five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
  • The Bureau of Immigration is the nodal agency, managing the program through an online portal.
  • FTI-TTP membership provides faster, easier, and more secure immigration clearance.
  • Significant step under the ‘Viksit Bharat’ 2047 initiative to provide world-class immigration facilities.
  • Initially free of cost for Indian citizens and OCI cardholders.

India’s Demographic Shift

  • News: India faces a demographic shift, potentially becoming an “aged” economy like developed nations by the 2050s, according to a McKinsey & Company report.

  • Why: India has only 33 years to capitalize on its demographic dividend. A declining working-age population relative to the elderly could lead to slower growth, rising dependency, and increased fiscal pressure.

  • Key Points:

    • Declining Support Ratio: Projected to fall from 10:1 in 2023 to 4.6:1 by 2050 and 1.9:1 by 2100.
    • Rising Financial Pressure: Seniors will account for 15% of total consumption by 2050 (up from 8%), straining pensions and healthcare.
    • Low Labor Participation/Productivity: Low female participation and lower productivity compared to high-income countries.
    • Birth Rate Decline: Global trend impacts GDP, labor markets, pensions, and consumer behavior.
    • Demographic Transition Stage: India is in Stage 3, moving from high to low mortality and fertility rates; TFR is below replacement rate.
    • Challenges of Aging Population: Workforce decline, healthcare system strain, lower productivity, and impact on family structures.

  • Recommendations:

    • Increase female labor force participation.
    • Boost productivity through technology, innovation, and investments in infrastructure, education, and skill development.
    • Strengthen public finances and social support systems for the elderly.
    • Skill development for aging workforce
    • Intergenerational Inclusion

Kokborok

  • Kokborok Defined: Kokborok is the language of the Borok (Tripuri) people and one of the official languages of Tripura (declared in 1979).

  • Historical Significance: It’s a Sino-Tibetan language with records potentially dating back to the 1st century AD in the Raj Ratnakar. The term “Kokborok” appeared as early as 1897/98.

  • Etymology: The name “Kokborok” combines “Kok” (verbal) and “Borok” (people/human).

  • Linguistic Diversity: Historically referred to as Tipperh, Tipura, or Tipra Language by British officials.

  • Current Speakers: As of the 2011 Census, there are 880,537 Kokborok speakers, representing 23.97% of Tripura’s population.

Suspect Registry

  • Central Suspect Registry (CSR): A database of 1.4 million cybercriminals linked to financial fraud and cybercrimes.

  • Purpose: To strengthen fraud risk management by providing a registry of identifiers of known cybercrime suspects.

  • Source of Data: Built upon the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP).

  • Developer: Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

  • Access: Available to states, UTs, central investigation, and intelligence agencies.

  • Collaboration: Developed in collaboration with banks and financial institutions.

  • Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C): Established by MHA to tackle cybercrime in a coordinated manner. Located in New Delhi.

  • I4C Functions: Nodal point for fighting cybercrime, R&D for cybercrime technologies, preventing misuse of cyberspace by extremist/terrorist groups.

  • Samanvaya Platform: A web portal for data repository of cybercrime, data sharing, crime mapping, data analytics, cooperation and coordination platform for Law Enforcement Agencies across the country.

Gangasagar Fair

  • Gangasagar Mela being held in West Bengal: The annual religious festival is underway at Sagar Island, at the Ganga-Bay of Bengal confluence.

  • State government initiatives to enhance the experience:

    • Bandhan Initiative: Pilgrims receive certificates in multiple languages.
    • e-Anushandhan: System to access mela facilities.
    • e-Parichay: QR code identity bands to prevent missing persons.
    • Why:These initiatives aim to improve pilgrim safety, convenience, and overall organization of the event.

  • Demanding “National Mela” status: The West Bengal government has been advocating for national recognition for several years.

    • Why: National status could lead to increased central government funding and support for infrastructure and management.

  • Religious Significance: Pilgrims take a holy dip in the Ganga, offer “Arghya” to the Sun God, and perform “Deepdan.”

    • Why: These rituals are believed to bring liberation and spiritual upliftment on Makar Sankranti.

  • Historical Significance: The fair is referenced in the Mahabharata and Raghuvamsa, with evidence dating back to 1500-2000 BC.

    • Why: It underscores the mela’s deep roots in Indian religious tradition.

Gangasagar Fair

Blood Money

  • Definition of Blood Money (‘Diya’): It is a compensation, usually monetary, paid by the offender to the victim or their family, rooted in Islamic Sharia law. Primarily applies to unintentional murder or homicide, and when victim’s family waives ‘qisas’ (retribution).

  • Purpose: Aims to ease the hardship and income loss for the victim’s family, not to equate human life with a price. Punishment may still be given even after.

  • Global Application: Practiced in Islamic countries, with variations based on victim’s gender, religion, and nationality. E.g. mandatory in Saudi Arabia for road accident deaths, with imprisonment in addition to blood money.

  • India’s Stand: Blood money is not formally recognized in India. ‘Plea bargaining’ allows negotiation for a lighter sentence in return for a guilty plea, with limitations unlike blood money. Compensation to victim can be given.

  • Plea Bargaining Limitations: Applicable only for offenses punishable by less than 7 years imprisonment, not for repeat offenders, crimes against women/children, or heinous crimes. Must be voluntary.

  • Diya Amount in Islam: Varies, based on Sharia, but is generally calculated at 100 camels, 200 cows, or 1,000 gold dinars (approximately 4.25 kg of gold), or 12,000 silver dirhams (approximately 42.5 kg of silver).

Nag Missile

  • Successful Field Trials: India successfully tested the Nag Mk 2 ATGM at Pokhran Field Firing Range. Why: Demonstrates progress and validation of indigenous defense technology.

  • Developed by DRDO: The missile is indigenously developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation. Why: Highlights India’s push for self-reliance in defense.

  • Third-Generation, Fire-and-Forget: It’s an all-weather, fire-and-forget missile with lock-on after launch capability. Why: Emphasizes advanced technological features and autonomous targeting.

  • Neutralizes Modern Armour: Designed to defeat modern armoured vehicles, including those with ERA, using a tandem HEAT warhead. Why: Showcases its effectiveness against advanced enemy tanks.

  • Extended Range: Has a range of 7 to 10 km, an upgrade from the Nag Mark 1’s 4 km range. Why: Significantly increases the engagement distance and tactical advantage.

  • Top-Attack Capability: Features a top-attack mode to target the vulnerable upper surface of tanks. Why: Maximizes damage potential by exploiting a weak point in tank armour.

  • NAMICA Launcher: Launched from the NAMICA (Nag Missile Carrier) Version 2, an anti-tank armored vehicle. Why: Specifies the delivery platform for deployment in the field.

MAUSAM Mission

  • Mission Mausam Launched: A new initiative launched by PM Modi on the 150th anniversary of the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

  • Upgrading Weather Forecasting: The mission’s primary goal is to improve India’s weather forecasting capabilities across all time scales (short-term to seasonal). This includes developing high-resolution models for better monsoon predictions.

  • Infrastructure Enhancement: Mission Mausam will bolster observational networks with advanced technologies such as Doppler Weather Radars (DWRs), Automated Weather Stations (AWS), and rain gauges.

  • Sector-Specific Advisories: The mission

    Join Our Telegram Channel
    aims to provide actionable weather advisories to crucial sectors including agriculture, water resources, energy, health, and disaster management.

  • Research & Collaboration: Mission Mausam emphasizes capacity building through research collaborations with national and international institutions like the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

  • Financial Investment: The initiative has a substantial budget of Rs 2,000 crore allocated for its initial two years of implementation.

  • Multi-Pronged Approach: The mission incorporates infrastructure development, leveraging high-performance computing systems, collaborative research, and public outreach via mobile apps and other channels.

  • Cloud Chamber Development: India is establishing a cloud chamber at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, for advanced study of cloud physics, aiming to understand and potentially manage weather events like rainfall, hail, and fog.

  • Weather Modification Research: Cloud chamber research is critical to study cloud formation to enhance and suppress weather events.

INSA: India’s Science Academy

  • Foundation & Purpose: INSA was established in 1935 (formerly NISI) to promote science in India and apply scientific knowledge for national welfare. This highlights its role as a key scientific institution.

  • Objectives: Key goals include promoting scientific knowledge, coordinating scientific bodies, representing Indian scientists internationally, undertaking scientific work of national/international importance, publishing scientific material, and fostering collaboration between science and humanities. These objectives define its broad mandate.

  • Role as Advisor: INSA acts as a link between scientists and policymakers, advising the government on science and technology issues. This underscores its importance in shaping national science policy.

  • Recognition & Support: INSA recognizes scientists through awards and fellowships, and provides financial support for research. This demonstrates its commitment to nurturing scientific talent.

  • International Collaboration: INSA has exchange programs with overseas academies and was designated as the adhering organization in India to the International Council for Science (ICSU). This emphasizes its role in fostering international scientific cooperation.

  • Leadership: Founded as the National Institute Of Sciences Of India with Sir Lewis Fermor as the founder President (1935-36). Prof. Meghnad Saha was elected as the first Indian President (1937-38).

INSA: India's Science Academy

Mud Volcanoes Explained

  • Mud Volcano Definition: Cone-shaped formations of mud and clay, typically smaller than true volcanoes.

  • Formation Varied: Can be created by hot spring activity (gas reacting with rocks) or, more commonly, in oil-field regions due to methane and hydrocarbon gases forcing mud to the surface under compactional stress.

  • Not True Volcanoes: Mud volcanoes are not of igneous origin and considered less hazardous than real volcanoes due to the emission of warm mud locally.

  • Potential Hazards: The large volume of erupted mud can cause flooding, displacement, and damage to infrastructure and agriculture.

  • Global Distribution: Found in various regions globally, including Europe, Asia, North and South America with ~1000 known formations.

  • Mud Volcanoes in India: Present in Baratang Island (Andaman and Nicobar Islands) and Tinsukia District (Assam). Reports also exist for Arunachal Pradesh, though less prominent.