23.01.25

Kerala Sand Mining

• Offshore Sand Mining in Kerala: The Union government’s plan to begin offshore sand mining along Kerala’s coast under the OAMDR Amendment Act, 2023 faces opposition due to ecological and livelihood concerns.

• Economic Motivation: The Centre aims to tap into estimated 750 million tonnes of

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  construction-grade sand resources off Kerala’s coast, identified by GSI surveys since 1985. These reserves could meet Kerala’s construction needs for 25 years and generate revenue through shipping, trade, and GST.

• Auction Plan: The Centre plans to auction sand blocks in five sectors of Kerala’s coastal areas under the OAMDR Amendment Act, 2023.

• Legal Framework: The OAMDR Amendment Act, 2023 governs offshore mineral exploration and extraction, introducing auctions, establishing a trust for affected people, and setting a 50-year lease period.

• Environmental Concerns: Offshore mining poses pollution risks from sediment plumes and toxic wastewater, potentially destabilizing ecosystems, weakening natural defenses, and disrupting sediment dynamics.

• Revenue Disputes: Kerala argues the OAMDR Amendment Act, 2023, doesn’t protect state interests as royalty revenues go entirely to the central government.

• Community Opposition: Fishermen and marine-dependent communities oppose mining due to threats to livelihoods and the ecosystem.

• Climate Change Risk: Disturbing seafloor ecosystems could release stored carbon, accelerating climate change.

• Knowledge Gap: Limited understanding of deep-sea ecosystems raises concerns about unforeseen damage to marine biodiversity.

• Way Forward: Advocate for independent Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), sustainable mining practices, equitable revenue sharing, and community development funds.

RBI’s New ARC Rules

• RBI Revises Master Direction for ARCs: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has updated its guidelines for Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) with the ‘Master Direction – Reserve Bank of India (Asset Reconstruction Companies-ARCs) Directions, 2024.
• Purpose of Revision: The revised norms aim to improve ARC operations, enhance transparency, protect the interests of creditors, and ensure proper due diligence in settlement processes.
• Board-Approved Policy for Settlements: ARCs must have a board-approved policy for settling borrower dues. The policy must include:
  • Cut-off date for eligibility of one-time settlement.
  • Permissible sacrifice for different categories when deciding the settlement amount.
  • Methodology for evaluating the realizable value of the security.
• Settlement Process Requirements:
  • Settlement should only be considered after all other recovery options have been exhausted.
  • Lump-sum payments are preferred. If non-lump sum, payment plans must align with business models, borrower cash flows, and projected earnings.
• Independent Advisory Committee (IAC): An IAC composed of technical, financial, or legal experts is required to review settlement proposals and advise the ARC’s board committee.
• What are ARCs: ARCs are financial institutions that acquire Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) from banks and financial institutions to recover debts. The concept of ARCs was introduced by the Narasimham Committee – II (1998).
• Regulation of ARCs: ARCs are registered under the Companies Act, 2013, and with the RBI under the SARFAESI Act, 2002.
• ARC Operations: ARCs engage in asset reconstruction by acquiring rights in loans, advances, bonds, guarantees, or other credit facilities and securitisation by acquiring financial assets by issuing security receipts to Qualified Buyers (QBs)

Startup India: 9 Years

• 9th Anniversary: Startup India Initiative completed 9 years on January 16th, 2025, also celebrated as National Startup Day.

  • Why: Marks a significant milestone for the program aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

• Initiative Goals: Cultivate innovation, support

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  startups, and stimulate investment to drive economic growth and employment.
  • Why: Defines the core purpose and intended impact of the Startup India initiative.

• Key Schemes: Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS), and Startup Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP).

  • Why: Highlights specific programs designed to provide financial assistance, access to credit, and IP protection.

• Key Features: Streamlined registration, simplified compliance, tax benefits, sector-specific policies, and capacity building.

  • Why: Details the key mechanisms put in place to support startups and ease their operational burdens.

• Achievements: Increase in DPIIT-recognized startups to 1.59 lakh, India as the 3rd largest startup ecosystem globally, 16.6 lakh direct jobs created, and increased participation of women entrepreneurs.

  • Why: Demonstrates the tangible impact of the initiative on startup growth, job creation, and inclusivity.

• Challenges: Access to capital (especially in Tier-II and Tier-III cities), regulatory hurdles, scaling challenges, and sustainability issues (like market saturation in sectors such as edtech).

  • Why: Acknowledges the obstacles faced by startups, limiting their growth and long-term viability.

• Way Forward: Streamlined regulatory sandbox, targeted skill development, decentralized startup hubs, enhanced tax incentives, robust IP protection, and government procurement boost.

  • Why: Outlines potential solutions to address existing challenges and further strengthen the startup ecosystem.

EntityLock

• New Initiative: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has launched Entity Locker.

• Purpose: Part of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure initiative to improve business efficiency.

• What it is: A secure, cloud-based solution for businesses of all sizes (MSMEs, corporations, startups).

• Functionality: Enables real-time document access and verification.

• Integration: Integrates with government agencies like MCA, GSTN, and DGFT.

• Key Features:

  • Encrypted cloud storage
  • Digital signature authentication
  • Aadhaar-authenticated role-based access.

• Benefits:

  • Reduces administrative friction
  • Boosts business efficiency
  • Minimizes document processing times.

• Alignment: Supports India’s goal of a digitally empowered economy and aligns with the Union Budget 2024-25 vision for enhanced digital governance and ease of doing business.

Aging Population Challenges

• SC Refusal & Dignified Life: Supreme Court declined a petition for a dedicated Ministry for senior citizens, highlighting their vulnerability and the need for a dignified life under Article 21.
• Rapidly Aging Population: India’s elderly (60+) population is growing rapidly, projected to reach 20.8% by 2050 and exceeding 36% by 2100, outpacing children by 2046.
• Pace of Aging Faster: India’s elderly population is doubling faster than South and East Asia.
• Regional Disparities: Southern states have higher aging indices and old-age dependency ratios compared to the national average.
• Feminization and Ruralization: Aging is increasingly feminized and ruralized, leading to unique vulnerabilities for elderly women and those in rural areas.
• Aging of the Aged: A growing segment is 75+, increasing pressure on support systems.
• Economic Dependency: Many elderly lack pensions or income, leading to financial insecurity.
• Limited Geriatric Care: High prevalence of chronic conditions among the elderly strains healthcare resources and increases reliance on informal care.
• Employability Issues: Age discrimination and outdated skills limit employment opportunities for senior citizens.
• Abuse & Neglect: Elderly are vulnerable to abuse, often unreported.
• Government Schemes: Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana, Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana, NSAP, NPHCE, and Atal Pension Yojana address elderly care.
• Way Forward: Elderly self-help groups, multigenerational living, digital inclusion, strengthened healthcare, expanded pension schemes, and policy reforms are crucial.

Why in News: Highlights the need to address the challenges of the growing senior citizen population, which needs specific care under the constitution. The growth is fast in India and needs focus for the system to be able to adapt and deliver well.

Decade of BBBP & SSY

• 10th Anniversary: Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) marked their 10th anniversary on January 22, 2025. Celebrations are planned until March 8 (International Women’s Day).

• BBBP Launch & Goals: Launched on January 22, 2015, in Panipat, Haryana, BBBP aims to address declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR), prevent gender-biased sex-selective elimination, and promote the survival, protection, and education of the girl child.

• SSY Launch & Goals: SSY was launched as part of BBBP scheme.to provide financial security for the future of the girl child through opening of bank accounts, focusing on education and empowerment.

• Integration with Mission Shakti: BBBP is integrated with Mission Shakti (women’s safety and empowerment) during the 15th Finance Commission (2021-2026). It will be implemented through its Sambal sub-scheme.

• BBBP Achievements:

  • National Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) improved from 918 (2014-15) to 930 (2023-24).
  • Girls’ Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in secondary education rose from 75.51% (2014-15) to 78% (2023-24).
  • Institutional deliveries increased from 61% (2014-15) to 97.3% (2023-24).

• SSY Achievements: Over 4.1 crore Sukanya Samriddhi accounts opened as of November 2024.

• Key Data on Gender Indicators:

  • Sex ratio at birth improved from 898 (2014-16) to 907 (2018-20) per 1,000 males (SRS data).
  • Women lead men in GER in higher education (AISHE 2021-2022).
  • Maternal mortality declined to 97 per lakh live births.
  • Infant mortality decreased to 28 per 1,000 live births.

• Conclusion: BBBP and SSY have significantly advanced women empowerment in India through improvements in sex ratio, education, maternal and infant health, and financial security for girls.

PFAS: The Forever Threat

• EU Proposed Ban: The European Commission plans to propose a ban on PFAS (“forever chemicals”) in consumer products.
• Exemptions Considered: Essential industrial uses may be exempt from the ban.
• Definition: PFAS are toxic, man-made chemicals hazardous to health and the environment.
• Persistence: Called “forever chemicals” due to their extreme environmental persistence in air, water, and soil.
• Widespread Use: Used in numerous products like cosmetics, non-stick pans, aircraft, and wind turbines because of their resistance to extreme temperatures and corrosion.
• Health Impacts: PFAS exposure is linked to decreased fertility, developmental effects in children, hormonal interference, increased cholesterol, and increased cancer risk.
• Exposure Pathways: PFAS can migrate to soil, water, and air during production and use, contaminating drinking water.
• Listed in Stockholm Convention: Indicating international concern and action regarding these chemicals.
• Removal from Body: Some PFAS may be excreted through urine, breast milk, and menstrual blood.
• Side Effects: Liver damage, thyroid disease, obesity, fertility issues, and cancer are potential side effects.
• Top 5 PFAS: PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, and HFPO-DA are among the most concerning PFAS.

Chandra X-Ray Vision

• Discovery of a Bizarre Black Hole: An international team, using both JWST and Chandra, has discovered a unique black hole. This black hole could offer valuable insights into how supermassive black holes form and grow.

• Chandra’s Role: The Chandra X-ray Observatory was crucial in this discovery because it detects X-ray emissions from extremely hot regions, such as areas around black holes.

• Chandra’s Capabilities: Launched in 1999, Chandra is designed to observe X-rays, which are blocked by Earth’s atmosphere. Its high orbit (up to 139,000 km) allows it to do this effectively.

• Part of NASA’s “Great Observatories”: Chandra is a key part of NASA’s fleet of “Great Observatories,” which also includes Hubble and Spitzer, showcasing its importance in space-based astronomy.

• World’s Most Powerful X-ray Telescope: Chandra’s superior resolution and sensitivity (detecting fainter sources) make it the most powerful X-ray telescope, enabling scientists to study exotic cosmic environments.

• Purpose of Chandra: The primary goal is to study X-ray emissions from the universe’s hottest and most energetic regions to better understand the universe’s structure and evolution.

Mount Ibu Erupts

• Mount Ibu in eastern Indonesia has erupted at least a thousand times this month.
• Mount Ibu is an active stratovolcano on Halmahera Island, Indonesia, reaching 1,325 meters (4,347 feet).
• It has a history of frequent eruptions involving lava flows, ash plumes, and pyroclastic activity.
• Stratovolcanoes are steep-sided, symmetrical cones built from alternating layers of lava, ash, and other volcanic material.
• They are typically found above subduction zones and are often part of volcanically active regions like the Ring of Fire.
• Stratovolcanoes are more prone to explosive eruptions due to gas buildup in viscous magma.
• The Ring of Fire is a path along the Pacific Ocean characterized by high volcanic and seismic activity.
• Mount Ibu is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Sukanya Yojana Explained

• Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) marks its 10th anniversary this year.
• SSY launched in 2015 under the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao initiative, encourages investment in girls’ futures.
• Eligibility: Indian citizen, girl child under 10 years, account opened by parent/guardian, maximum two accounts per family. NRIs are not eligible.
• Investment: Minimum ₹250, maximum ₹1.5 lakh per financial year, in multiples of ₹100.
• Tenure: 21 years from account opening, contributions for the first 15 years only. The girl child operates the account after age 18.
• Interest: Determined by the government quarterly, compounded annually.
• Withdrawal: Partial withdrawal (50% of previous year’s balance) allowed after the girl turns 18 or passes 10th grade, for higher education. 100% withdrawal permitted for marriage after 18.
• Premature Closure: Allowed in case of the depositor’s death or on compassionate grounds approved by the Central Government.
• Tax Benefits: Investments, interest, and maturity amount are tax-exempt under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.
• Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao aims to raise awareness and improve welfare services for girls.

H5N1 & Demoiselle Cranes

• H5N1 Threat to Demoiselle Cranes: Migratory Demoiselle cranes in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, are at risk due to the spreading H5N1 bird flu.

• Compounding Factors: Unusually high rainfall creating toxic water bodies and pesticide spraying on chickpea fields worsen the threat to the cranes.

• H5N1 Origin and Spread: H5N1 originated in China in 1996 and has since spread globally since 2020. India experienced its first outbreak in 2015.

• Transmission to Humans: Primarily through close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments; person-to-person transmission is rare.

• Demoiselle Crane Migration: These cranes migrate from Siberia to India (especially Rajasthan) during winter.

• Conservation Status: Demoiselle Cranes have IUCN status as Least Concern, while Khichan in Rajasthan hosts a major Demoiselle crane reserve.

• Why it matters: The H5N1 outbreak threatens the Demoiselle crane population in a key wintering ground and raises concerns about potential transmission to humans. Other factors such as toxic water bodies and pesticide use may further endanger the cranes and possibly other wildlife.

Hyena Spots

• Spotted Hyena reappearance: Spotted hyenas ( Crocutta crocutta) have been discovered in southern Egypt after a 5,000-year absence. This is noteworthy because it indicates a potential range expansion or return to a previously inhabited area.

• Physical Characteristics: The spotted hyena has a sandy, yellowish, or grey coat with dark spots. They are carnivores that hunt and scavenge and also largest member of the hyena family. Spots fade with age. Females are slightly larger than males.

• Social Structure: They have a matriarchal social order and live in clans.

• Habitat and Distribution: They are found in open, dry habitats like savannas and semi-deserts throughout sub-Saharan Africa.

• Nocturnal Behaviour: They are mostly nocturnal with excellent night vision, hunting at night.

• IUCN Status: The spotted hyena is currently listed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN.

• Diet and Hunting: While often perceived as scavengers, they are primarily predators.

• Relationship with Humans: Hyenas are not friendly to humans and can attack humans

• Physical Appearance: Large head, muscular neck, and powerful jaws.

Mannan People

• Raman Rajamannan, the king of the Mannan community, will participate in the Republic Day parade in Delhi. This is noteworthy as he is the only tribal king in Kerala.

• The Mannan are a Scheduled Tribe (ST) in Kerala and the only existing Adhivasi tribal dynasty with kingship in South India. This highlights their unique cultural and historical significance.

• The Mannan community’s life is closely tied to Tamil culture, speaking a dialect similar to Tamil (but without script) and believed to have originated from Tamil Nadu. This connection to Tamil culture is an important aspect of their identity.

• Most of the Mannan community (97%) lives in the Idukki district. They were displaced from remote forests to areas near the Periyar Tiger Reserve due to deforestation bans. This relocation impacts their traditional way of life.

• They follow a matrilineal system and elect their ruler (Raja Mannan) through community headmen.

• Their primary occupation is agriculture, and they practice Hinduism, celebrating festivals like Kalavoot, Meenoot, and Mutthiamman Festival. Mannankoothu is a unique ritual art form.

• The Paniyan tribe is the largest tribal community in Kerala, and the Bhil tribe is the largest in India. Adivasis are included as Hindu religion followers in the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955.

Airport Regulator

• PAC Scrutiny: Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has directed AERA to provide a detailed explanation regarding the calculation of User Development Fees (UDF) at airports.

• UDF Transparency: The PAC seeks clarification on the criteria used for UDF calculation, total revenue earned, and how these revenues are utilized by airport operators.

• AERA’s Role: The Airport Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) is a statutory body established in 2008 to regulate the economics of major airports in India.

• Regulatory Functions: AERA regulates tariffs and other charges like development fees and passenger service fees for aeronautical services (air traffic management, landing, parking, ground handling) at major airports.

• Objectives: AERA aims to create a level playing field, promote competition among major airports, foster investment in airport infrastructure, and ensure fair tariffs for aeronautical services.

• Major Airport Definition: A “major airport” is defined as one with annual passenger traffic exceeding 3.5 million (amended from 1.5 million in 2019).

• Ministry Oversight: The Ministry of Civil Aviation is the nodal ministry responsible for AERA.

• Importance: AERA ensures transparency and fairness in airport charges, protecting the interests of both service providers and consumers in the aviation sector.

Oyster Antimicrobials

• News: Research indicates antimicrobial proteins from oyster hemolymph can combat drug-resistant bacteria.

• Why: Addresses the growing threat of antibiotic resistance by offering a novel source of antimicrobial agents.

• Key Finding: Oyster proteins can kill bacteria like Streptococcus spp. and enhance the effectiveness of existing antibiotics (2-32 times).

• Mechanism: Oyster proteins inhibit bacterial biofilms, making bacteria more vulnerable.

• Oysters’ Natural Defense: Oysters possess strong immune systems due to their marine environment, making their hemolymph rich in antimicrobial substances.

• Relevance to Drug Development: Highlights nature as a crucial source for new antibiotics, similar to the origin of most current and developing antibiotics.

• Traditional Use: Oyster-derived substances are used in traditional medicine for respiratory and inflammatory conditions.

• Ecological Importance: Oysters are keystone species that filter water and provide habitat in marine ecosystems. Their antimicrobial properties add to their value.

Chinar

• Chinar trees in Kashmir are being geo-tagged and equipped with QR codes. This is for digital protection and monitoring of these heritage trees.

• QR codes record 25 characteristics. This includes location, health, age, and growth patterns for effective conservation.

• The project is led by J&K Forest Research Institute (FRI). They aim to monitor and manage Chinar trees.

• Chinar (Platanus orientalis) is also known as Oriental plane tree and Boueen. It’s a large deciduous tree that can live for centuries.

• Oldest Chinar said to be 700 years old planted by Sufi Saint Syed Qasim Shah.

• Chinar leaves change color with the seasons. Displaying green in summer and red, amber, and yellow in autumn.

• Chinar tree leaves and bark have medicinal properties. The wood is used for furniture.

• Chinar trees grow in cool climates with sufficient water, especially in the Eastern Himalayas. They are considered a living heritage of Kashmir.

Taiga Tales

• Rapid Warming: Boreal forests are warming four times faster than the global average, signaling accelerated climate change impacts.

• Forest Transition: Nearly half of the world’s boreal forests are transitioning to a more open state with sparser tree cover. This reduces their capacity to store carbon.

• Increased Wildfire Risk: The transition to an open state in boreal forests contributes to a higher risk of wildfires.

• Reduced Carbon Storage: Decreasing tree density in boreal forests compromises their ability to act as carbon sinks, a crucial role in climate regulation.

• Permafrost Thaw: Thawing permafrost in boreal regions may release significant amounts of soil carbon, further complicating carbon storage projections and potentially exacerbating climate change.

• Global Significance: Boreal forests, the world’s largest land biome, cover 30% of global forest area, spanning across countries like Canada, Russia, and the US. They contain vast amounts of freshwater and rival tropical forests in carbon storage capacity.

• Economic Importance: Boreal forests are a major source of lumber and paper exports, highlighting their economic value.

Voter’s Day

• 15th National Voters’ Day (NVD): Celebrated on January 25th across India.
• Established in 2011: To commemorate the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) foundation day (January 25, 1950).
• Focus on Voters: Dedicated to the nation’s voters and promotes new voter enrollment, especially young adults.
• EPIC Distribution: New voters receive their Elector Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) during NVD ceremonies nationwide.
• Multi-Level Celebration: Celebrated at national, state, district, constituency, and polling booth levels.
• Significance: One of India’s most widespread and important celebrations.
• 2024 Theme: “Nothing Like Voting, I Vote for Sure” – Continues last year’s emphasis on electoral participation and voter pride.
• Aim: To emphasize the voter’s importance, increase electoral awareness, and encourage active democratic participation.
• ECI Mandate: The Election Commission of India, as per Article 324, conducts elections for Parliament, State Legislatures, the President, and the Vice-President.
• Voter ID: An identity document issued by the ECI to adult Indian residents.
• Appointment of Commissioners: The President of India appoints the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners.
• Democracy: A form of government where elected representatives hold power.

Stargardt’s

• Potential Treatment Breakthrough: Swiss researchers are developing a gene editing technique that could potentially treat Stargardt disease. This is significant because there is currently no cure.

• Disease Overview: Stargardt disease, also known as Stargardt macular degeneration, is an inherited eye disease primarily caused by mutations in the ABCA4 gene, which affects how the body processes Vitamin A.

• Impact on Vision: The disease leads to progressive vision loss, typically starting in childhood or young adulthood. It is characterized by the buildup of lipofuscin in the macula, the central part of the retina crucial for sharp, central vision.

• Symptoms: The most common symptom is a slow loss of central vision in both eyes. Other symptoms include gray/black/hazy spots in central vision, light sensitivity, and color blindness.

• Prevalence: Stargardt disease affects an estimated 1 in 8,000 to 10,000 people and is commonly observed in males with the onset of the condition in the second decade of life, potentially leading to legal blindness.

• Current Treatment: Currently, there is no cure for Stargardt disease. Management focuses on coping with the symptoms.

• Quality of Life: While distressing, individuals with Stargardt disease can live well with the right support, and the disease does not impact general health or life expectancy.

• Management, Not Cure: The focus is on managing the condition as there’s currently no way to cure it. Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding excessive light, are recommended.

• Vitamin A Consideration: Avoid taking supplements containing Vitamin A as this gene influences how your body uses Vitamin A.

8th Pay Commission

• 8th Pay Commission Approved: The Union government has reportedly approved the formation of the 8th Pay Commission.
• Beneficiaries: 4.5 million central government employees and 6.8 million pensioners (including defence personnel) stand to benefit.
• Purpose of Pay Commissions: PCs are established every 10 years to review and revise the pay scales, allowances, and benefits of central government employees. They consider inflation and the cost of living to ensure fair compensation.
• Established Under: The Department of Expenditure (Ministry of Finance) oversees the establishment of new pay commissions.
• Composition: Typically headed by a retired Supreme Court judge. Its recommendations influence state-owned organizations.
• Historical Context: India has had 7 Pay Commissions since 1947. The 7th Pay Commission (2016-2026) increased government expenditure significantly.
• Focus of the 8th Pay Commission: Likely to propose formulas for revising Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) to address inflation.
• DA Adjustment Basis: DA is adjusted based on the Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW).
• Overall Aim: To align government salaries with the rising cost of living, promoting employee welfare and economic growth.