04 January 2025 : Daily Current Affairs
1. In Madurai, mining for tungsten and trouble
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8)
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Background of the Protest
- Women in Kesampatti village, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, protest through kummi, a traditional folk dance, against proposed tungsten mining.
- Tungsten mining rights have been granted to Hindustan Zinc Limited by the Union Government.
- Protesters highlight that the land is tied to their art, culture, and religion.
Opposition to Mining
- Mining regions, including Arittapatti, are biodiversity heritage sites with historical and environmental significance.
- Key heritage includes Tamil Brahmi inscriptions, megalithic structures, and diverse wildlife (e.g., Indian pangolin, slender loris).
- Environmental concerns include potential contamination and ecological damage.
Government Stance and Legal Context
- The Tamil Nadu government opposes the project but has limited authority due to centralization under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.
- The Union Government cites national interest and geopolitical importance of tungsten, a critical mineral for renewable energy and defense industries.
Community and Expert Concerns
- Activists and villagers demand the exclusion of heritage sites and farmland from mining zones.
- Concerns about health risks, citing Chinese studies linking tungsten mining to elevated soil and water contamination levels.
- Historical instances like the Bhopal Gas Tragedy are cited as warnings of potential neglect.
Political Dynamics
- Local and national political parties express varied opposition or blame shifting.
- Efforts include petitions, Gram Sabha resolutions, and public protests
Conclusion
- This conflict encapsulates the clash between environmental conservation, community rights, and the growing demand for critical minerals in global markets.
| Practice Question: Discuss the socio-environmental impacts of mining projects on local communities, with reference to the ongoing protests in Madurai district. (150 Words /10 marks) |
2. China’s Mega Dam on Yarlung Tsangpo: A Looming Challenge for India and Downstream Nations
(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained- Page No. – 09)
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Analysis of the news:
Overview of the Project
- China’s approval of a massive hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo, the world’s largest of its kind, raises significant geopolitical and environmental concerns.
- With a capacity of 60,000 MW, three times that of the Three Gorges Dam, the project leverages the river’s steep gradient in Tibet.
- However, its implications extend downstream to India and Bangladesh, affecting millions dependent on the Brahmaputra system for water, agriculture, and livelihoods.
Strategic Motivations and Environmental Risks
- China aims to transition towards greener energy sources and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.
- The Yarlung Tsangpo’s steep descent provides ideal conditions for hydroelectricity.
- However, large dams like the Three Gorges have had severe environmental impacts, including displacement, biodiversity disruption, and potential seismic risks due to massive water storage.
- Located in an ecologically fragile and earthquake-prone region, the project’s risks could cascade downstream, affecting agriculture, silt deposition, and river flow.
India’s Concerns
- India, as a lower riparian state, depends on the Brahmaputra system for agriculture and livelihoods.
- Any disruption in water flow or silt deposition from China’s upstream activities could severely impact Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
- The project’s location near the “Great Bend,” just before the river enters India, heightens these concerns.
- Historical incidents, like the 2004 Parechu Lake landslide, underline the risks of unilateral actions in such fragile regions.
Bilateral Mechanisms and Their Limitations
- Existing cooperation frameworks, including MoUs on the Brahmaputra and Sutlej rivers, have proven inadequate.
- While mechanisms like the 2013 umbrella MoU and the 1997 UN Watercourses Convention offer guidelines, their scope and enforcement remain limited.
- Data sharing, crucial during crises, has often been interrupted due to political tensions, such as during the Doklam and Ladakh standoffs.
India’s Options
India must adopt a multi-pronged approach:
- Diplomatic Engagement: Strengthen dialogue with China, emphasizing transparency and consultation under international norms.
- Public Advocacy: Actively challenge China’s claims about the project’s downstream impacts to avoid tacit acceptance.
- Regional Alliances: Collaborate with other affected nations like Bangladesh to present a united front.
- Domestic Preparedness: Enhance disaster management infrastructure and explore alternative water management strategies.
Water security should become a core issue in India-China relations, with clear signaling that neglecting India’s concerns could adversely affect bilateral ties.
Conclusion
- China’s Yarlung Tsangpo project exemplifies the complexities of transboundary river management.
- For India, safeguarding its interests requires a blend of assertive diplomacy, regional cooperation, and robust domestic measures to mitigate potential risks.
- The project’s scale and potential consequences demand sustained attention and proactive action.
| India’s Initiatives to Counter such Projects |
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| Practice Question: China’s proposed hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo raises significant geopolitical and environmental concerns for downstream nations. Discuss the implications for India and suggest measures to safeguard its water security and regional interests. (250 Words /15 marks) |
3. India’s BUR-4 Highlights 36% Emissions Intensity Reduction and Progress Toward 2030 Climate Goals
(Source – Indian Express)
| Topic: GS3 – Environment |
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Analysis of the news:
Overview of the BUR
- The Biennial Update Report (BUR) is a mandate under the UNFCCC for developing countries to detail their climate action efforts.
- Submitted as part of the Paris Agreement, India’s BUR-4, filed in December 2024, includes GHG emissions data, mitigation measures, and financial and technological support received.
Progress on Emissions Reduction
- India reported a 36% reduction in GDP emissions intensity from 2005 to 2020, advancing toward its 2030 target of a 45% reduction.
- Total GHG emissions in 2020 were 2,959 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, with net emissions at 2,437 million tonnes after accounting for carbon sinks.
- Notably, emissions fell 7.93% compared to 2019 but rose 98.34% since 1994 due to economic growth.
Sectoral Emissions Breakdown
- Energy Sector: Largest contributor at 75.66%, with electricity production alone accounting for 39%.
- Agriculture: Contributed 13.72%, largely from methane emissions.
- Industrial and Waste Sectors: Accounted for 8.06% and 2.56%, respectively.
CO2 emissions dominated (80.53%), followed by methane (13.32%) and nitrous oxide (5.13%).
Achievements on Climate Goals
India’s updated NDCs (2022) aim for 50% non-fossil fuel-based power capacity by 2030 and an additional carbon sink of 2.5-3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent. BUR-4 highlighted progress:
- Non-fossil fuel-based power capacity reached 46.52% by October 2024.
- 2.29 billion tonnes of additional CO2 equivalent carbon sink created (2005-2021).
- PAT (Perform, Achieve, and Trade) scheme saved 19.3 Mtoe of energy and reduced 28.74 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (2012-2022).
Technological Needs for Low-Carbon Growth
India underscored the need for advanced technology to support climate adaptation and low-carbon growth. Barriers include slow technology transfer and intellectual property issues.
- Energy Sector: Ultra-efficient photovoltaic cells, floating wind turbines, geothermal technology.
- Industrial Sector: Carbon capture and storage for cement, iron, and steel.
- Water Sector: Solar and wind-powered desalination for arid regions.
Conclusion
- India’s BUR-4 demonstrates steady progress toward its climate goals while highlighting the challenges of balancing economic growth, emissions reduction, and technology adoption.
- The report underscores the importance of global support to overcome barriers and accelerate climate-conscious development.
| What proactive steps India has taken to combat climate change? |
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| Practice Question: Discuss the key highlights of India’s Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) under the UNFCCC and analyze the challenges and opportunities it presents in achieving the nation’s climate commitments.(250 Words /15 marks) |
4. Achievement of the Ministry of Civil Aviation
(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2089984®=3&lang=1 )
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Transformative Legislation: Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam 2024
- The Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam 2024 was enacted to modernize India’s aviation sector by re-enacting the Aircraft Act of 1934.
- This reform aligns the sector with contemporary global standards.
- The legislation is designed to improve clarity, efficiency, and ease of doing business while supporting indigenous manufacturing under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
- It streamlines regulatory processes, simplifies license issuance, removes redundancies, and provides for appeals.
- The law also aligns with international aviation conventions, aiming to enhance safety and foster innovation.
2nd Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation
- The 2nd Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation was successfully hosted, with representatives from 29 Asia-Pacific countries and international aviation organizations.
- The Delhi Declaration was adopted during the conference, highlighting the region’s commitment to enhancing civil aviation.
Expansion of Airports and Terminals
- Significant infrastructure development includes the foundation of new terminals at Varanasi, Agra, Darbhanga, and Bagdogra.
- Additionally, airports in various regions were inaugurated to enhance regional connectivity.
Record Passenger Traffic
- Domestic traffic saw a growth of 5.9% in 2024, with 146.4 million passengers carried on domestic routes.
- A new record was set with domestic passenger traffic exceeding 5 lakh on a single day in November 2024.
- International traffic also grew by 11.4%, with 64.5 million passengers carried between January and November 2024.
Greenfield Airports
- Approval has been given for the development of 21 Greenfield airports across India, aimed at boosting regional connectivity.
- Several airports, including those in Goa, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh, have become operational.
RCS-UDAN: 8 Years of Regional Connectivity
- The RCS-UDAN scheme marked its 8th anniversary, connecting 88 airports through 619 operational routes.
- In 2024, 102 new RCS routes, including 20 in the Northeast, were launched.
UDAN Yatri Café
- The UDAN Yatri Café was inaugurated to offer affordable food options at airports, ensuring accessible refreshments for passengers.
Digi Yatra Services Expansion
- The Digi Yatra initiative expanded to 24 airports, offering seamless and contactless travel experiences, with over 80 lakh downloads and 4 crore journeys completed.
Guidelines for Seaplane Operations
- Seaplane operations were standardized with new guidelines, focusing on safety and efficient operations.
- The introduction of the Non-Scheduled Operator Permit framework aims to promote regional connectivity through seaplanes.
MRO Sector Development
- The MRO sector saw major reforms, including the introduction of a uniform 5% IGST on aircraft components and extended timelines for repair exports, boosting the domestic MRO industry.
Gender Equality in Aviation
- An advisory was issued to increase the representation of women in the aviation sector to 25% by 2025.
- Initiatives like leadership programs and mentorship for women in the sector are part of this effort.
Green Energy Adoption
- 80 airports have transitioned to 100% green energy usage, contributing to reducing the carbon footprint of airport operations, with several airports achieving carbon-neutral status.
| Practice Question: Examine the significance of the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam 2024 in transforming India’s aviation sector. Discuss its key provisions. (150 Words /10 marks) |
Prelims Facts
1. India ‘protests’ new Chinese counties in Ladakh
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 1)
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Places in Focus
Hotan Prefecture (Xinjiang, China)
- Located in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China.
- Includes parts of Aksai Chin, a disputed area claimed by India.
- Strategically important due to its location along the ancient Silk Road.
- Known for its jade production and historical significance in trade routes.
Aksai Chin (Ladakh, India)
- A high-altitude plateau in the northeastern part of the Indian Union Territory of Ladakh.
- Administered by China but claimed by India as part of Ladakh.
- A significant flashpoint in India-China territorial disputes, including during the 1962 war.
- Sparsely populated due to its harsh, arid climate.
Yarlung Tsangpo (Tibet, China)
- The upper course of the Brahmaputra River, originating in Tibet.
- Flows through deep gorges in the Himalayas before entering India and Bangladesh.
- Site of China’s proposed $137 billion mega dam project.
- Critical for regional hydrology and ecosystems in downstream areas.
2. Health Ministry monitoring HMPV outbreak in China
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 1)
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Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) Overview:
- Discovery: Identified in 2001; belongs to the Pneumoviridae family, related to Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
- Affected Groups: Common among young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
- Symptoms: Causes cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. Severe cases may lead to bronchitis or pneumonia.
- Transmission: Spreads via respiratory secretions (coughing/sneezing), close personal contact, or contaminated surfaces.
- Incubation: Period of 3–6 days; illness duration varies based on severity.
- Seasonality: Active during winter and spring.
- Treatment: No specific antiviral drugs; supportive care is recommended.
3. This tribe prefers to live and let ‘live-in’
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10)
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Location and Population of the Konda Reddi Tribe:
- The Konda Reddi Tribe primarily resides in the hilly and forested regions of Andhra Pradesh.
- The tribe is primarily concentrated in the districts of East Godavari, West Godavari, Khammam, and Srikakulam.
Economic Activities:
- The tribe primarily practices shifting cultivation.
- Key commercial crop: Annatto, used in lipstick-making.
- Red soil from the region is used for constructing traditional mud-walled houses.
Marriage Traditions:
- Live-in Relationships: Increasingly preferred due to the financial burden of traditional weddings.
- Traditional Weddings: Ritualistic ceremonies lasting four days, involving feasts with mandatory chicken and mutton dishes.
- Laagudu Tradition: The bride is “abducted” by the groom’s family, followed by wedding negotiations.
Community and Cultural Changes:
- The tribe is experiencing gradual cultural shifts, such as intermarriage with non-tribals.
- Disputes within the community are traditionally resolved by village elders.
4. The horror of Saydnaya jail, a symbol of Assad’s brutality, war crimes
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 413)
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Saydnaya Prison:
- Location: Saydnaya prison is located north of Damascus, Syria.
- Purpose: Originally built in the 1980s to house political prisoners, including Islamist and Kurdish militants.
- Operations: Became a symbol of brutal state control, used for extrajudicial executions, torture, and forced disappearances.
- Human Rights Violations: Reports include mass executions, torture, rape, and enforced disappearances.
- Infamous Incidents: In 2016, the UN commission found crimes against humanity committed at Saydnaya. Amnesty International labeled it a “human slaughterhouse.”
- Crematorium: A crematorium was found to burn the remains of executed prisoners.
- Liberation: In 2024, rebels seized the prison and freed over 4,000 prisoners.
5. Data Localisation Returns: Draft Rules Aim to Tighten Digital Privacy and Sovereignty
(Source – Indian Express, Section – Cover Page- Page No. – 01)
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Analysis of the news:
Data Localisation Reintroduced
- The draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025, reintroduce data localisation requirements, mandating significant data fiduciaries to store and process specific personal and traffic data within India.
- This marks a shift from the 2023 Act, which allowed cross-border data transfer with notified restrictions.
Significant Data Fiduciaries: Defined and Regulated
- Entities handling vast or sensitive data with implications for sovereignty, security, or public order, like Big Tech companies, are categorized as significant data fiduciaries.
- They will be subject to stringent data localisation norms and compliance requirements.
Safeguards for Government Data Processing
- The draft rules propose “lawful” data processing by government entities but face scrutiny due to exemptions granted under the 2023 Act for national security and public order. Safeguards are expected to address these broad exemptions.
Parental Consent Mechanism for Children’s Data
- Tech companies must devise verifiable mechanisms for parental consent when processing children’s data, though this remains challenging.
- Exceptions are made for health, education, and childcare-related establishments.
Data Breach Notification and Penalties
- Data fiduciaries must notify users promptly about breaches, detailing their nature, impact, and mitigation measures.
- Non-compliance with safeguards can result in penalties of up to ₹250 crore.
Enhanced User Consent Requirements
- The draft mandates clear, specific, and standalone notices for data collection, ensuring transparency about the type of data collected and its intended purpose.
Implications for Big Tech
- While promoting data sovereignty, the reintroduction of localisation may increase operational costs for companies like Meta and Google, potentially impacting their services.
- Industry resistance to localisation persists due to its broad implications for global operations.
6. Loneliness and Isolation Linked to Proteins Driving Disease and Mortality: Study
(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained – Page No. – 09)
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Analysis of the news:
Key Findings
- Research by scholars from the University of Cambridge (UK) and Fudan University (China), published in Nature Human Behaviour, highlights that loneliness and social isolation influence levels of proteins linked to various diseases and mortality.
- The study identified 175 proteins associated with social isolation and 26 with loneliness, with significant overlap (85%).
- Many of these proteins were elevated in individuals reporting isolation or loneliness, reflecting their role in immune responses, inflammation, and stress regulation.
Study Methodology
- The study analyzed blood proteomes from over 42,000 adults aged 40-69, part of the UK Biobank.
- Researchers employed Mendelian randomization to determine causal relationships between social isolation, loneliness, and protein levels.
- Advanced techniques, including AI and high-throughput proteomics, facilitated the identification of critical proteins impacting human health.
Biological Insights
Key proteins identified include:
- ADM: Linked to stress response and the regulation of oxytocin, reducing stress and improving mood.
- ASGR1: Associated with higher cholesterol and cardiovascular risk.
Other proteins were implicated in insulin resistance, cancer progression, and overall morbidity.
Health Implications
- Experts emphasized the necessity of social connections for mental, physical, and overall well-being.
- The findings underscore that loneliness and isolation are not just social issues but critical health concerns, requiring proactive efforts to maintain social bonds for disease prevention and improved health outcomes.
For more such UPSC-related Current Affairs, Check Out-03 January 2025: Daily Current Affairs
