10 January 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. Decoding India’s growth slowdown

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10)

Decline in GDP Growth

• This estimate is below the 6.5% to 7% range projected in the Economic Survey of July 2024.
• The nominal GDP growth rate, which accounts for inflation, is expected to be 9.7%, lower than the 10.5% projected in the Union Budget.

Discrepancies in Data Estimation

• Experts, including the IMF, have criticized the official GDP estimates, particularly the use of the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) as a deflator.
• The IMF has suggested using the Producer Price Index (PPI) instead of WPI for more accurate GDP deflation.
• Data issues such as revisions to historical series and discrepancies between GDP by activity and expenditure complicate monitoring of India’s economy.

Impact of Volatility in WPI

• WPI has shown significant volatility over the years, which has caused discrepancies between the WPI and the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
• For example, in 2023-24, the nominal GDP showed a deceleration, while real GDP growth indicated acceleration due to discrepancies in the GDP deflator, which misrepresents economic conditions.

Private Investment Challenges

• Despite the Economic Survey highlighting the private sector’s slow response to tax cuts, the Union Budget projected a revival in private corporate investment to fund the ‘Prime Minister’s Package for Employment and Skilling.’
• However, the latest GDP estimates show a decline in real gross fixed capital formation from 9% in 2023-24 to 6.4% in 2024-25, signaling weak investment performance.

Investment and Consumption Trends

• During the UPA era, real private investment growth was over 10%, significantly higher than under the NDA regime, where private investment growth stagnated.
• Despite tax cuts in 2019, corporate investment has failed to drive substantial economic activity, highlighting the lack of a private investment-led recovery in the post-pandemic period.

Fiscal Strain and Budgetary Challenges

• Tax revenue growth is below target, with only 56% of the net tax revenue goal met by November 2024.
• Capital expenditure has been underutilized, with less than half of the projected ₹11.11 trillion capex spent by November.
• The government faces the dilemma of maintaining fiscal discipline while addressing the economic slowdown, requiring adjustments to revenue mobilization strategies, such as increasing taxation on wealth and profits.

Conclusion

• The ongoing economic slowdown is evident, affecting key sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and services.
• To avoid worsening the fiscal situation, the government must reassess its revenue mobilization strategy and prioritize spending on capital and welfare. 

2. Tragedy in Assam: Workers Trapped in Flooded Rat-Hole Mine Highlights Persistent Safety and Environmental Challenges

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Express Network – Page No. – 09)

Analysis of the news:

Coal Mine Tragedy in Assam

• On January 6, several workers were trapped for over 12 hours in a water-flooded coal “rat-hole” mine in Dima Hasao district, Assam. 
• The rescue operations, involving the National and State Disaster Relief Forces and the Army, have been progressing slowly due to the challenges posed by the flooded, deep mine.

What is Rat-Hole Mining?

Rat-hole mining is a traditional and hazardous method of coal extraction, prevalent in Northeast India, particularly Meghalaya.

• Process:
  • Miners dig narrow vertical or horizontal pits, descending using ropes or bamboo ladders.
  • Coal is manually extracted using rudimentary tools.
• Types:
  • Side-Cutting: Narrow tunnels are dug into hill slopes to access thin coal seams.
  • Box-Cutting: A vertical pit is dug, leading to horizontal tunnels for coal extraction.

Environmental and Safety Concerns

Rat-hole mining poses severe environmental and safety hazards:

• Safety Risks:
  • Lack of structural support, ventilation, and safety gear increases risks of accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
  • Flooding during rains often leads to worker entrapment and fatalities.
• Environmental Impact:
  • Causes land degradation, deforestation, and contamination of water sources.
  • Polluted water bodies adversely affect local communities and ecosystems.

Legal Status and Ban

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned rat-hole mining in 2014 and reaffirmed the ban in 2015.

• Reason for Ban:
  • Frequent accidents, including fatal flooding incidents, highlighted the unsafe and unregulated nature of these mines.
  • Significant environmental degradation prompted regulatory action.
• Current Scenario:
  • Despite the ban, the practice persists due to economic pressures and lack of alternative livelihoods, particularly in Meghalaya and nearby areas.

Conclusion: 

• The recent Assam tragedy underscores the persistent issues associated with rat-hole mining despite legal prohibitions. 
• Addressing these concerns requires strict enforcement of the ban, sustainable livelihood alternatives for local populations, and a shift towards safer, regulated mining practices to prevent future disasters.

3. Around 56,000 sq. meters of Dense Forests created in Prayagraj in last two years using Miyawaki Technique

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2091250&reg=3&lang=1 )

Miyawaki Technique:

• The Miyawaki technique is a revolutionary method for creating dense, rapid-growth forests in limited spaces.
• Developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki in the 1970s, it is also called the “pot plantation method.”
• It involves planting native species of trees and shrubs very close together, accelerating their growth.
• Plants grow up to 10 times faster with this technique compared to traditional methods.
• The method mimics natural forests, improving soil quality and enhancing biodiversity.
• It helps in reducing carbon emissions, curbing pollution, and combating soil erosion.
• In urban areas, it transforms barren, polluted lands into vibrant, green ecosystems.
• The technique has been successfully used for environmental conservation and waste management.

Prelims Facts

1. Singer P. Jayachandran passes away

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 3)

Personalities in News: P. Jayachandran

• P. Jayachandran was a renowned Indian playback singer, widely recognized for his soulful voice and expressive singing.
• He was born in Ravipuram, Ernakulam, and hailed from a family with strong musical roots.
• Over his six-decade-long career, he recorded more than 16,000 songs in multiple languages, including Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, and Hindi.
• His voice became iconic in Malayalam cinema, with songs that resonated deeply with listeners across generations.
• Despite his age and health challenges, his voice maintained a youthful charm and emotional depth.
• He passed away at the age of 81, after battling cancer.

2. PM to open Z-Morh tunnel, a key part of Kashmir-Ladakh corridor

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 5)

Analysis of the news:

• Location and Purpose: The Z-Morh tunnel is located in Ganderbal district, Jammu & Kashmir, and is part of a strategic corridor linking Kashmir and Ladakh.
• Tourism Benefits: The tunnel will keep Sonamarg open for year-round tourism, preventing closures due to snowfall and avalanches.
• Strategic Importance: It provides continuous access to Ladakh and enhances connectivity, crucial for both civilian and military purposes.
• Construction: Built at a cost of ₹2,680 crore, the tunnel is 6.5 km long with advanced features, including a modified escape tunnel and ventilation systems.
• Economic Impact: It is expected to boost winter tourism and adventure tourism in the region.

3. India releases compilation of 10,000 human genomes from 83 population groups

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 6)

Genome India Project:

• Objective: The Genome India project aims to create a comprehensive database of human genomes from various population groups across India, focusing on disease research and drug therapy development.
• Scope: It includes 10,000 human genomes representing 83 population groups, covering about 2% of India’s 4,600 population groups.
• Database Availability: The database is housed at the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) in Faridabad, Haryana, and is accessible to researchers globally.
• Genomic Insights: The project reveals around 27 million low-frequency variants, including 7 million not found in other global databases.
• Precision Medicine: Genome India focuses on enabling targeted clinical interventions for better healthcare and advancing precision medicine.
• Privacy Measures: Data is anonymized with numeric codes, and access requires proposals vetted by an independent panel.
• Future Potential: While it currently covers a small portion of India’s genetic diversity, plans exist to expand it to a million genomes.

4. Maha Kumbh Mela 2025

(Source – Indian express, Section – Cover Page- Page No. – 01)

Analysis of the news:

Key Takeaways

1. Spiritual Significance

• The Maha Kumbh Mela is deeply rooted in Hindu beliefs, offering devotees the opportunity to absolve sins and attain Moksha (liberation). 
• It is considered auspicious due to planetary alignments that enhance spiritual energy, making it a transformative event for spiritual practices.

2. Historical Foundations

• The festival is tied to ancient mythology, particularly the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) story, where drops of Amrita (nectar) fell at the four Kumbh Mela sites. 
• References in the Mahabharata and Puranas add a mythical charm to its origins.

3. Cultural Relevance

• The Sangam (confluence) of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers at Prayagraj is the festival’s focal point. 
• Rituals performed here are believed to cleanse sins and grant spiritual freedom, fostering unity among diverse communities.

4. Modern Relevance

• Beyond its religious importance, the Kumbh Mela remains a symbol of cultural heritage, spirituality, and universal harmony, bringing together people across backgrounds for shared pursuits of peace and devotion.

Key Rituals

1. Shahi Snan (Royal Bath): Led by ascetic groups like Naga Sadhus, this ceremonial dip in holy rivers is the highlight, symbolizing spiritual purification.
2. Sankirtan and Bhajans: Devotional songs and chants create a vibrant spiritual ambiance.
3. Yoga and Meditation: Visitors engage in practices for physical and mental well-being.
4. Spiritual Discourses: Renowned saints deliver teachings on philosophy and spirituality.

5. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Govt & Politics- Page No. – 06)

Analysis of the news:

Why January 9?

• Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated annually on January 9 since 2003 to honor the contributions of the Overseas Indian community to India’s development. 
• The date commemorates Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa in 1915, marking the beginning of his pivotal role in India’s freedom struggle. Since 2015, the event has been held biennially.

Historical Background

• The initiative stemmed from the recommendations of a High-Level Committee on Indian Diaspora led by LM Singhvi in 2002. 
• The committee emphasized the need to strengthen ties with the Indian diaspora and proposed the establishment of a Pravasi Bharatiya Bhavan for networking and preserving the diaspora’s history. 
• The first PBD was held in 2003 to implement these ideas.

PBD 2025 in Odisha

• The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention is scheduled from January 8–10, 2025, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, under the theme “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat”. 
• The event celebrates India’s bond with its global diaspora and showcases Odisha’s economic opportunities, especially in the ASEAN and Indo-Pacific regions. 
• Known for its strengths in mining, steel manufacturing, marine economy, IT, and sports, Odisha will leverage the event to attract investments and partnerships.

Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA)

The PBSA is the highest honor for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs). It recognizes contributions to India’s global image, local Indian communities’ welfare, and promoting India’s causes abroad.

• 2025 Awards: 27 individuals and organizations from countries like the US, Fiji, Mauritius, and Russia will be honored.

Conferment: President Droupadi Murmu will present the awards during the valedictory session.

For more such UPSC-related Current Affairs, Check Out- 09 January 2025: Daily Current Affairs