25 January 2025 : Daily Current Affairs
1. Odisha tops NITI fiscal health index, Chhattisgarh next best
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 4)
| Topic: GS2 – Governance, GS3 – Indian Economy |
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Top-Performing States: Achievers
- Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Goa, and Jharkhand were ranked as “achievers” for their robust fiscal health.
- Odisha led the rankings with a Fiscal Health Index (FHI) score of 67.8, showcasing exceptional performance in debt management and fiscal discipline.
- These States exhibited:
- Capital outlay of up to 4% of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP).
- Effective mobilisation of non-tax revenues.
- Revenue surplus and low interest payments (up to 7% of revenue receipts).
Front-Runners and Performers
- Front-runners: Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka.
- These States reported high developmental expenditure (up to 73% of total spending).
- Consistent growth in own tax revenue and balanced fiscal management were noted.
- Improved debt sustainability was observed, with a debt-to-GSDP ratio of 24%.
- Performers: Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Haryana, classified for their moderate fiscal performance.
Aspirational States: Struggling with Fiscal Challenges
- Kerala, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and Punjab were listed as “aspirational” due to significant fiscal challenges.
- Common issues included:
- Low revenue mobilisation.
- Rising debt burdens and poor debt sustainability.
- Struggles to meet fiscal deficit and revenue deficit targets.
Odisha’s Exceptional Fiscal Strengths
- Odisha ranked highest in debt index (99.0) and debt sustainability (64.0).
- The State maintained low fiscal deficits and demonstrated strong debt management.
- Odisha’s capital outlay to GSDP ratio remained above average.
Long-Term Trends (2014-15 to 2021-22)
- Odisha, Goa, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh achieved the highest average FHI scores during this period.
- Data for the FHI was sourced from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).
| PYQ: What are the reasons for introduction of Fiscal responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) act, 2003? Discuss critically its salient features and their effectiveness. (200 words/10m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2013) |
| Practice Question: Discuss the importance of fiscal health in ensuring sustainable development at the state level. Highlight the challenges faced by Indian States in achieving fiscal stability. (250 Words /15 marks) |
2. Bombay HC Rules Loudspeakers Not Essential to Religious Practice, Enforces Strict Noise Pollution Regulations
(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained – Page No. – 16)
| Topic: GS2 – Polity |
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Analysis of the news:
Noise Pollution Laws and Observations
- The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, mandate noise levels in residential areas to remain within 55 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night.
- The HC observed that cumulative sound levels of multiple loudspeakers in an area should be considered when evaluating compliance, emphasizing the need for strict enforcement of noise pollution laws.
Directions Issued by the HC
- The court directed the government and police to enforce noise pollution regulations uniformly, ensuring anonymity for complainants to protect them from retaliation.
- It recommended an inbuilt mechanism, such as automatic decibel calibration in loudspeakers, and suggested using mobile applications to measure noise levels.
Graded Penalty System for Violations
The HC prescribed a four-step graded penalty system:
- First Offense: Issuance of a caution.
- Repeat Offense: Imposition of fines on trusts or organizations.
- Further Violations: Seizure of loudspeakers.
- Persistent Violations: License cancellation and legal action.
Reference to Previous Rulings
- The HC referred to its 2016 judgment in Dr. Mahesh Vijay Bedekar v. Maharashtra, which affirmed that loudspeakers are not integral to any religion.
- The 2016 ruling prohibited loudspeakers between 10 PM and 6 AM and upheld noise restrictions in silence zones, allowing limited exemptions for cultural or religious occasions.
Ensuring Compliance and Balanced Implementation
- The court emphasized the state’s role in creating systems to regulate noise levels, balancing individual rights with public welfare.
- By implementing these measures, authorities can ensure adherence to constitutional provisions while safeguarding citizens’ rights to a peaceful environment.
| Practice Question: Examine the Bombay High Court’s ruling on the use of loudspeakers at religious places in the context of noise pollution regulations. How does this align with constitutional principles of freedom of religion and public order? (150 Words /10 marks) |
Prelims Facts
1. Pralay, India’s first quasi-ballistic missile, to be showcased at Republic Day parade
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 3)
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Key Features of the Pralay Missile
- Type: Pralay is a short-range, quasi-ballistic missile developed indigenously by DRDO.
- Purpose: It is the first ballistic missile in India’s arsenal designed for conventional strikes.
- Range: The missile has a strike range of 400 kilometers.
- Deployment: It is intended for use along the Line of Control (LoC) and the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
- Development: Trials have been completed, and it has received the Defence Ministry’s Acceptance of Necessity.
- Pralay enhances the arsenal alongside BrahMos and Prahar missiles for stand-off strikes.
2. Hundreds of migrants arrested as Trump’s deportation drive begins
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 12)
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Analysis of the news:
- Hundreds of migrants were arrested in the United States as President Donald Trump’s deportation operation began.
- The operation is being described as the largest mass deportation in U.S. history.
- The White House confirmed the start of this operation, with migrants flown out on military aircraft.
- The UN rights office emphasized that the right to seek asylum is a universally recognized human right.
- On his first day in office, Trump declared a “national emergency” at the southern border and deployed more troops.
- An estimated 11 million undocumented migrants live in the U.S.
3. Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained- Page No. – 16)
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Analysis of the news:
About ADHD
- It is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood.
- It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood.
- Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about what the result will be), or be overly active.
- Many adults remain undiagnosed, and symptoms can cause difficulty at work, home or relationships.
- Treatments : In most cases, ADHD is best treated with a combination of behavior therapy and medication
- Adderall is the brand name for the formulation that consists of a combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. It is an FDA-approved drug for the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy, a sleep condition that causes daytime sleepiness.
Study Methodology
- Researchers analyzed primary care data from over 30,000 UK adults diagnosed with ADHD and compared it with more than 300,000 non-ADHD participants matched by age, sex, and healthcare practice.
- Mortality data was used to estimate the death rates across the population lifespan.
Key Findings
The study linked ADHD to reduced life expectancy, though not directly caused by the condition itself. Contributing factors include:
- Health Challenges: Higher prevalence of physical and mental health issues.
- Risky Behaviors: Increased rates of smoking, drinking, binge eating, and risky actions like unsafe driving.
- Suicide Risk: Elevated rates of suicide among people with ADHD.
These findings align with a 2019 study showing children with ADHD had a shorter life expectancy (8.4 years less) when followed into adulthood, due to factors like lower income, poor nutrition, and impulsivity-related risks.
4. Tamil Nadu’s Iron Age Origins Push Global Timelines Back by 2,000 Years
(Source – Indian Express, Section – Express Network- Page No. – 11)
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Analysis of the news:
Key Discoveries and Dates
- Earliest Evidence: Sivagalai yielded dates as early as 3345 BCE from charcoal and potsherds.
- Milestone Sites: Mayiladumparai samples were dated to 2172 BCE, while a burial at Kilnamandi was dated to 1692 BCE.
- Global Context: These findings redefine Tamil Nadu as an innovator in metallurgy, showcasing a trajectory distinct from the northern Copper Age.
Technological Sophistication
The study identified advanced iron-smelting techniques across Tamil Nadu:
- Furnace Innovation: Sites like Kodumanal featured circular furnaces capable of reaching 1,300°C, enabling the production of sponge iron.
- Metallurgical Expertise: The mastery of high-temperature smelting (1,200°C to 1,400°C) reflects an advanced understanding of pyro-technology.
Implications for Indian and Global Archaeology
- The findings suggest that Tamil Nadu’s Iron Age coincided with the Copper Age of northern India, marking a parallel but unique cultural development.
- This challenges assumptions about the global origins of iron technology and aligns with reports of iron from Harappan sites like Lothal.
5. ISRO’s 100th Launch: GSLV-F15 and NVS-02
(Source – Indian Express, Section – Express Network- Page No. – 11)
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Analysis of the news:
Advancements in NVS-02 Satellite
- The mission marks the 17th flight of the GSLV, with its indigenously developed cryogenic engine, and will place the satellite into a geostationary transfer orbit within 19 minutes.
- NVS-02, the second of five second-generation satellites for the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), features a 12-year lifespan, indigenously developed atomic clocks for improved accuracy, and L1 frequency compatibility.
- These enhancements enable broader applications, including integration with smaller devices like fitness trackers.
IRNSS: NavIC Navigation System
- NavIC, a seven-satellite constellation launched in phases since 2013, provides positioning, navigation, and timing services over India and its neighboring regions.
- Despite initial setbacks, including failed launches and malfunctioning atomic clocks, the system has evolved, with newer satellites and compatible receivers enhancing usability across various platforms.
Challenges and Optimisation Efforts
- Early challenges included the failure of IRNSS-1H to reach orbit and underutilization of the system, as noted by a 2018 CAG report highlighting delayed development of user receivers.
- Since then, progress has been made, with the introduction of IRNSS-compatible chipsets in mobile phones and other applications.
6. India’s WASH Innovations Lead Global Discourse at World Economic Forum 2025
(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2095791®=3&lang=1 )
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Key Achievements in WASH
- SBM has led to the construction of over 95 million toilets, addressing sanitation challenges and empowering women.
- JJM has significantly improved access to safe drinking water, with 79.66% of rural households now having tap water connections, up from 17% in 2019.
- These initiatives have saved rural India 55 million hours per day, particularly benefiting women by increasing workforce participation.
Global Recognition and Impact
- India’s WASH programs are a model for other countries, focusing on community engagement, behavior change, and technology.
- At WEF, India showcased its efforts to improve health, education, and economic opportunities through better sanitation and water access.
- India’s role in achieving SDGs 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and 13 (Climate Action) was reaffirmed, highlighting its commitment to global sustainability goals
| Practice Question: Discuss India’s efforts in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 6 and 13, focusing on the impact of initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission and Jal Jeevan Mission. (150 Words /10 marks) |
Check more –24 January 2025 : Daily Current Affairs
