08 January 2025 : Daily Current Affairs
1. GDP growth projected to fall to four-year low at 6.4%
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 1)
| Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy |
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Sectoral Growth Trends
- Agriculture: Growth is expected to rise significantly to 3.8% from 1.4% in 2023-24.
- Public Administration, Defence, and Other Services: These sectors are projected to grow by 9.1%, up from 7.8% last year.
- Manufacturing: Growth is estimated to slow down sharply from 9.9% in 2023-24 to 5.3% in 2024-25.
- Mining and Quarrying: Growth is expected to dip to 2.9% from 7.1% in the previous year.
Investment Growth Concerns
- Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF), an indicator of fresh investments, is projected to grow at 6.4%, down from 9% in 2023-24.
Economic Challenges and Budget Implications
- Reviving the economy’s growth to the 7%-plus levels seen in preceding years is identified as a key challenge for the Union Budget 2025-26.
- The Reserve Bank of India has revised its growth projection for the full year to 6.6%, down from the earlier estimate of 7.2%.
- The Finance Ministry now expects growth for 2024-25 to be ‘around 6.5%’, revising its earlier range of 6.5% to 7%.
| Reasons and Way Forward: |
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| PYQ: Define potential GDP and explain its determinants. What are the factors that have been inhibiting India from realizing its potential GDP?(150 Words /10 marks)(UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2020) |
| Practice Question: Examine the reasons for the projected decline in India’s GDP growth for 2024-25 and suggest measures to restore the economy to a 7%-plus growth trajectory. (250 Words /15 marks) |
2. How curiosity-driven research into a worm won four Nobels
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7)
| Topic: GS3 – Science and Technology |
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| Caenorhabditis Elegans: |
Caenorhabditis elegans is a 1-mm long, transparent nematode commonly used in scientific research.
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Researches that led to Nobel Prize:
Genetic Regulation & Programmed Cell Death (2002)
- Sydney Brenner, H. Robert Horvitz, and John Sulston discovered how genes regulate organ development and programmed cell death.
- Their work revealed the genetic mechanisms that control cell death during development.
- This research is crucial for understanding diseases like cancer, where cell death regulation is disrupted.
RNA Interference (2006)
- Andrew Fire and Craig Mello discovered how double-stranded RNA silences specific genes through RNA interference.
- This mechanism prevents certain genes from producing proteins.
- Their work created powerful tools for genetic research and opened doors for therapies targeting gene expression in diseases such as cancer and genetic disorders.
Green Fluorescent Protein (2008)
- Osamu Shimomura, Martin Chalfie, and Roger Tsien developed the Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) to track proteins in living organisms.
- GFP enabled scientists to visualize cellular processes in real time.
- Their discovery revolutionized biological research, providing a key tool to study molecular interactions within living cells.
MicroRNAs (2024)
- Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun discovered microRNAs (miRNAs) that regulate gene expression by silencing specific genes.
- miRNAs control various biological processes, including development and disease regulation.
- Their findings advanced our understanding of genetic regulation and opened new possibilities for diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches in genetic diseases.
| Practice Question: Discuss the significance of Caenorhabditis elegans in advancing our understanding of genetic regulation and programmed cell death. How have its discoveries impacted medical research? (150 Words /10 marks) |
3. Climate Change Disrupts Global Water Cycle: Rising Extremes in Floods, Droughts, and Precipitation
(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained – Page No. – 23)
| Topic: GS3 – Environment |
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Analysis of the news:
Climate Change and the Water Cycle
- Climate change is profoundly disrupting the Earth’s water cycle, leading to intensified extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and storms.
- The 2024 Global Water Monitor Report, compiled by an international research team, sheds light on these disruptions and their widespread impacts.
Understanding the Water Cycle
- The water cycle involves the continuous movement of water in its solid, liquid, and gaseous states across the Earth’s surface, atmosphere, and subsurface.
- Powered by the Sun, processes like evaporation, transpiration, condensation, and precipitation regulate water availability and weather patterns essential for life on Earth.
Impact of Climate Change on the Water Cycle
- Intensified Evaporation and Precipitation:
- Rising global temperatures cause increased evaporation, leading to more moisture in the atmosphere.
- Warmer air holds 7% more moisture for every 1°C rise, resulting in heavier and more frequent precipitation.
- Droughts and Dry Soil:
- Higher evaporation rates dry out soils, making them less absorbent when rain does fall.
- This perpetuates a cycle of drought and surface water runoff, limiting soil moisture retention.
- Projected Trends:
- Global temperatures are expected to rise by 2.6–3.1°C by the century’s end, exacerbating water cycle disruptions.
- The IPCC predicts long-term changes, including more severe droughts and extreme rainfall.
Key Findings of the 2024 Global Water Monitor Report
- Disasters and Economic Impact:
- In 2024, water-related disasters caused over 8,700 deaths, displaced 40 million people, and resulted in $550 billion in economic losses.
- Increased Extremes:
- Record-dry months occurred 38% more often than the baseline period (1995-2005).
- Record-breaking rainfall events have surged, with daily rainfall records set 52% more frequently compared to 2000.
- Regional Trends in Water Storage:
- Persistent low terrestrial water storage (TWS) values were observed in most dry regions.
- Exceptions included increases in TWS in parts of Africa.
- 2025 Projections:
- Drought conditions are expected to worsen in northern South America, southern Africa, and parts of Asia.
- Flood risks are likely to intensify in wetter regions such as the Sahel and Europe.
Conclusion:
- The findings highlight the urgent need for global efforts to mitigate climate change and adapt to its impacts on the water cycle.
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving water management strategies are critical to countering the escalating risks posed by these disruptions.
| Practice Question: Discuss how climate change is disrupting the global water cycle. Suggest measures to mitigate its impact and enhance water management strategies. (150 Words /10 marks) |
4. Year End Review 2024: Ministry of Tribal Affairs
(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2090883®=3&lang=1 )
| Topic: GS2 – Governance – Government Initiatives |
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Key Initiatives and Achievements of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Increased Budget Allocation:
- The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has seen a significant increase in its budget, particularly for the Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST).
- This enhanced funding supports a variety of initiatives aimed at improving the socio-economic status of tribal communities.
Key Programs Launched:
- Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan: Aimed at addressing gaps in social infrastructure, health, education, and livelihood in tribal villages.
- Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN): Focuses on improving the quality of life for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) through targeted support.
- Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY): Aims to provide essential infrastructure to villages with significant tribal populations.
- Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM): Promotes tribal entrepreneurship by supporting businesses focused on locally produced goods.
Other Initiatives:
- Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS): The government has expanded the number of EMRS, which offer quality education to tribal students. Key achievements include:
- Inauguration of 40 new EMRS by the Prime Minister.
- Recruitment of teachers and support staff for these schools.
- Organization of cultural and literary festivals for students.
- Scholarships for Tribal Students: Various scholarship schemes are available to support tribal students across different educational levels, including:
- Pre-matric and post-matric scholarships.
- Overseas scholarships for higher education.
- Aadi Mahotsav: An annual tribal festival that celebrates and showcases the rich cultural heritage of tribal communities across India.
- Support to Tribal Research Institutes: Financial assistance is provided to Tribal Research Institutes for research activities aimed at preserving and promoting tribal languages and cultures.
- Forest Rights Act: Significant amounts of forest land have been distributed to tribal communities under the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
- Janjatiya Gaurav Divas: November 15th is celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas to honor tribal freedom fighters and recognize their contributions to India’s independence.
- Focus on Healthcare: The government has launched the Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission to address the health challenges faced by tribal populations.
- Additional Initiatives:
- Training programs in semiconductor technology for tribal students.
- Support to voluntary organizations working for tribal welfare.
- Healthcare improvements aimed at enhancing the well-being of tribal communities.
| Practice Question: Examine the role of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in improving the quality of life for tribal communities in India through its key initiatives and programs. (250 Words /15 marks) |
Prelims Facts
1. The latest science on climate change
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7)
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Global Temperature and Climate Threshold
- The world may have already reached 1.5°C of warming above pre-industrial levels, a critical threshold for irreversible climate impacts.
- This is based on an analysis of 2,000 years of atmospheric gases trapped in Antarctic ice cores, suggesting 1.49°C of warming in 2023.
- Traditionally, scientists measured temperatures against a baseline from 1850-1900, where warming was around 1.3°C.
Impact on Ocean Circulations and Ecosystems
- The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), crucial for European climate, has weakened by 15% since 1950 and may be nearing a critical slowdown.
- The ongoing fourth mass coral bleaching event raises concerns that the world’s reefs may have passed an irreversible point.
Wildfires and Droughts
- Global warming is exacerbating wildfires, with climate change contributing to 13% of deaths from toxic wildfire smoke in the 2010s.
- The Amazon faced its worst drought in 2024, with drought and heat stresses threatening the rainforest’s survival, potentially transitioning it into degraded forests.
Forests and Carbon Sequestration
- A 2024 study found that forests globally are absorbing less CO₂, indicating their diminished role in mitigating climate change.
Volcanic Eruptions
- Climate change could also trigger more volcanic eruptions, as rapid glacier retreat in Iceland reduces pressure on the earth’s crust.
2. Eyeing green legacy, Biden declares new national monuments
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 15)
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Places in news:
Chuckwalla National Monument
- Located near Joshua Tree National Park in southern California, the Chuckwalla National Monument spans 624,000 acres.
- It will be protected from drilling, mining, solar farms, and other industrial activities.
- The area holds cultural and spiritual significance for Native American tribes that have inhabited the land for millennia.
- The designation safeguards the land’s unique beauty, canyons, and wildlife for future generations.
Sattitla National Monument
- The Sattitla National Monument, covering 224,000 acres, is located in northern California, bordering Oregon.
- Like Chuckwalla, it will be shielded from industrial activities, ensuring its preservation.
- The area is known for its diverse landscapes and ecological importance.
- The designation reflects efforts to conserve important natural and cultural resources for long-term environmental sustainability.
3. Study Reveals Sex-Specific Brain Differences in Newborns, Highlighting Neurodiversity at Birth
(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained – Page No. – 23)
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Analysis of the news:
Sex-Specific Brain Differences at Birth
- A study published in Biology of Sex Differences reveals that male and female infants show distinct differences in brain composition at birth, with boys having larger brains and more white matter, while girls have significantly more grey matter linked to learning, speech, and cognition.
- These differences may arise from prenatal brain development and influence subsequent neurological diversity.
Key Findings of the Study
- Brain Composition Differences:
- Boys: Larger total brain and intracranial volumes, with more white matter aiding communication between brain regions.
- Girls: Larger grey matter volumes in areas related to memory and emotional regulation.
- Significance of White and Grey Matter:
- White matter consists of long nerve fibers that facilitate communication within the brain.
- Grey matter, critical for cognition, memory, and learning, showed notable volume differences in girls, especially in regions associated with speech and emotion.
Biological and Developmental Implications
- Prenatal Development:
The observed differences suggest that prenatal brain development is influenced by biological sex-specific factors, which interact with environmental experiences post-birth to shape neurological diversity. - Neurodiversity:
These differences are average variations and do not indicate superiority or inferiority. They underline the importance of understanding neurodiversity, particularly in conditions like autism, which is diagnosed more often in males.
Research Methodology
- The study analyzed MRI scans of over 500 newborns (236 girls and 278 boys) within 28 days of birth, as part of the Developing Human Connectome Project.
- Brain regions were examined after controlling for variables like birth weight and total brain volume.
Broader Implications
- Understanding Developmental Disorders:
Insights from this study could aid in exploring the neurological basis of conditions such as autism, which shows sex-biased prevalence. - Neuroscience and Education:
The findings may contribute to tailoring educational strategies and interventions by acknowledging inherent neurological differences.
4. Recurring Crashes of ALH Helicopters Spark Safety Concerns and Call for Design Overhaul
(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained- Page No. – 23)
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Analysis of the news:
About ALH Dhruv helicopters:
- Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv is a multi-role and multi-mission light utility helicopter in the 5.5-ton weight class, intended for both military and civil operators.
- It is developed indigenously by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
- The ALH choppers are operated by all three Indian defense forces, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with the Indian Coast Guard.
- The major variants of Dhruv are classified as Dhruv Mk-I, Mk-II, Mk-III & Mk-IV.
Recent ALH Mark-III Crashes
- Porbandar Incident (January 2025): An Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mark-III of the Indian Coast Guard crashed during a training sortie, killing all three on board. This marks the second fatal crash of the ALH Mark-III in four months, following a similar incident in September 2024 during a medical evacuation mission off Porbandar. Additionally, a non-fatal ALH crash occurred in Kochi in March 2023.
Safety Concerns Raised
- Investigation and Grounding: Boards of Inquiry have been constituted to investigate the crashes, focusing on flying controls and transmission systems. The entire fleet of around 300 ALH helicopters has been grounded for safety audits.
- Design Issues: Previous crashes highlighted flaws like weaknesses in the booster control rods, affecting control. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has initiated corrective measures, including replacing older components with more durable materials.
- Call for Independent Review: Concerns over the ALH’s safety record have prompted calls for independent inquiries by military aviation veterans, pointing to recurring design and operational issues.
Key Design Elements of HAL ALH
- Development Objective: Initiated in 1984, the ALH Dhruv was designed as a multi-role, multi-mission helicopter to replace the aging Chetak and Cheetah fleets.
- Indigenous Manufacturing: Most components, including the airframe, are manufactured in India, though critical systems like Shakti engines were initially developed in collaboration with foreign partners. Over time, indigenisation has increased.
- Certification and Performance: The ALH Dhruv is certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), confirming compliance with international standards. However, recurring crashes raise concerns over long-term operational reliability.
For more such UPSC related Current Affairs, Check Out- 7 January 2025 : The Hindu Editorial Analysis
