13 January 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. Kerala’s maternal mortality ratio climbs as fertility levels fall to a new low

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 1)

Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Health

Context

Kerala faces rising maternal mortality rates due to declining birth rates, impacting social fabric and demographic shifts in the state.

Kerala’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR)

• Kerala’s MMR has increased, moving from 19 to 29 per one lakh live births.
• This rise is not due to more maternal deaths but fewer childbirths.
• The drop in the number of live births has pushed the MMR higher.
• Kerala’s MMR spike follows a dip in births from 5-5.5 lakh annually to 3.93 lakh.
• In 2020-21, many deaths were linked to COVID-19 among pregnant women.

Decline in Fertility Rate

• Kerala’s fertility rate has been decreasing for over three decades.
• In 1991, the fertility rate went below replacement level (2.1 children per woman) and stayed at 1.7-1.8.
• In 2020, the total fertility rate (TFR) dropped to 1.5 and is currently at 1.46.
• The TFR means couples in Kerala mostly have one or no children.
• The state’s declining birth rates have significant social consequences.

Impact of Migration and Social Changes

• Many young people in Kerala migrate for jobs or education, affecting fertility rates.
• Delayed marriage and childbearing also contribute to the decline in births.
• Over the next decade, the elderly population in Kerala will surpass the number of children, causing concerns for care and welfare.

Challenges in Data Collection

• Kerala’s birth registration has issues, and official data on live births is not available publicly after 2021.

Practice Question:  Discuss the implications of declining birth rates in states like Kerala on demographic transition, social fabric, and policy formulation. (250 Words /15 marks)

2. Should voter IDs be linked with Aadhaar?

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

Topic: GS2 – Indian Polity

Context

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have accused each other of manipulating electoral rolls ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, reigniting the debate on linking voter IDs with Aadhaar numbers.

Background of the Proposal

• In February 2015, the Election Commission (EC) launched the National Electoral Rolls Purification and Authentication Program (NERPAP) to remove duplicate entries by linking voter IDs (EPIC) with Aadhaar. Over 300 million voters were linked in three months.
• The Supreme Court intervened in August 2015, ruling that Aadhaar could only be used for welfare schemes and PAN linking, halting the NERPAP.
• In December 2021, Parliament amended the Representation of the People Act, 1950, allowing the linking of Aadhaar with EPIC, making it voluntary.
• If voters don’t have Aadhaar, they can provide alternate documents like PAN cards or bank passbooks.

Potential Implications:

Challenges and ConcernsThe Supreme Court was informed in September 2023 that submitting Aadhaar numbers is not mandatory. There are concerns that errors in the Aadhaar database could lead to incorrect voter registrations or deletion of entries. Aadhaar is only proof of residence, not citizenship, so it may not help in identifying non-citizens on the electoral roll. There are privacy concerns as the electoral roll is shared with political parties, which could lead to misuse of Aadhaar information. Pros and ConsPros: Linking Aadhaar with EPIC helps remove duplicate voter entries. Over 650 million Aadhaar numbers have already been uploaded. Cons: Errors in the Aadhaar database can affect voter registration, and Aadhaar does not prove citizenship, limiting its effectiveness in removing non-citizens. Way ForwardVoting is a constitutional right, and public trust in the electoral process is crucial. There should be awareness about the benefits of linking Aadhaar to clean up the electoral roll. Voter registration forms should be updated to reflect that Aadhaar submission is voluntary, as per the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision.

Practice Question:  Discuss the implications of linking Aadhaar with voter IDs in the context of electoral reforms. What are the potential benefits and challenges of this linkage? (150 Words /10 marks)

3. UGC’s 2025 Draft Regulations Spark Federalism Debate Over VC Appointments

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained – Page No. – 16)

Topic: GS2 – Governance

Context

The article highlights the controversy surrounding the UGC’s 2025 draft regulations.

Analysis of the news:

VC Appointment Process: Current and Proposed Framework

• The University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations of 2018 mandated a search-cum-selection committee to shortlist candidates for Vice Chancellor (VC) appointments through public notifications or nominations. 
• For central universities, the President (Visitor) appoints VCs, while state laws govern appointments for state universities, with significant involvement of Governors (Chancellors).
• The 2025 draft regulations propose that the Chancellor/Visitor appoint the committee, comprising three experts—nominees of the Chancellor, UGC Chairman, and the university’s apex body. 
• This marks a shift, granting greater central influence and introducing the possibility of industry or policy professionals as VCs.

State-Centre Disputes Over VC Appointments

Several states, especially those with non-BJP governments, oppose the enhanced role of Governors (Chancellors) in appointing VCs:

• Kerala: Passed a Bill to replace the Governor with educationists as Chancellors, yet to receive presidential assent.
• West Bengal: Legal disputes arose over Governor’s unilateral appointments; the Assembly passed a Bill to make the Chief Minister the Chancellor.
• Karnataka: Legislation to replace the Governor with the Chief Minister as Chancellor remains pending.
• Maharashtra: A 2021 Bill reducing the Governor’s powers was withdrawn by the succeeding government.
• Tamil Nadu: Passed Bills to vest VC appointment powers with the state government, yet to be approved by the Governor.

Federalism at the Core of the Debate

• Critics, including Chief Ministers of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, argue that the draft regulations undermine federalism by stripping states of their autonomy over state university administration. 
• They contend that this shift imposes central authority over state-run institutions and diminishes democratically elected governments’ roles.
• Conversely, UGC Chairman Jagadesh Kumar defends the regulations, emphasizing transparency, alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, and resolving ambiguities in the 2018 guidelines.

Implications for Governance and Education

• The draft regulations aim to standardize VC selection, enhance transparency, and expand eligibility criteria. 
• However, they also risk exacerbating state-Centre conflicts and raising questions about the autonomy of state universities. 
• Striking a balance between quality education governance and respecting federal principles will be crucial as the debate unfolds.

About Universal Grant Commission (UGC)

The UGC was formally established only in 1956 as a statutory body of the Government of India through University Grants Commission Act 1956.The head office of the UGC is located in New Delhi. The UGC`s mandate includes:To Promote and coordinate university education. To Determine and maintain standards of teaching, examination and research in universities. To Framing regulations on minimum standards of education.Monitoring developments in the field of collegiate and university education and disbursing grants to the universities and colleges. Advising the Central and State governments on the measures necessary for the improvement of university education.

Practice Question:  Discuss the implications of the UGC’s 2025 draft regulations on Vice Chancellor appointments for federalism and state autonomy in India. How can a balance be struck between ensuring transparency in higher education governance and respecting the rights of state governments? (250 Words /15 marks)

4. India’s Progress Towards Climate Resilience

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2092311&reg=3&lang=1 )

Topic: GS3 – Environment

Context

India’s 7.93% reduction in GHG emissions in 2020 reflects its commitment to sustainable climate action under the Paris Agreement.

Climate Change and India’s Pledge to Net-Zero Emissions

• Climate change and rising temperatures pose significant threats to life on Earth.
• The UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) requires countries to submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
• India pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 during the COP 26 summit in 2021.
• In the 4th Biennial Update Report (BUR-4), India reported a 7.93% reduction in GHG emissions in 2020 compared to 2019, demonstrating commitment to sustainability.

India’s Role under the UNFCCC

• The UNFCCC aims to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations and promote global climate cooperation.
• The Paris Agreement adopted in COP21 in 2015 aims to limit global temperature rise to below 2°C and preferably to 1.5°C.
• India submits Biennial Update Reports to the UNFCCC to track progress in reducing emissions, detailing mitigation actions, and receiving international support.

Emission Reductions and India’s Progress

• India’s 4th Biennial Update Report shows a 7.93% reduction in total GHG emissions in 2020 compared to 2019.
• The energy sector accounted for 75.66% of total emissions in 2020, with land use and forestry efforts sequestering 522 million tonnes of CO2, reducing emissions by 22%.
• These efforts reflect India’s focus on climate change mitigation, considering its national development needs.

Challenges and India’s Path to Sustainable Growth

• India contributes 4% of global GHG emissions while having 17% of the world’s population.
• Despite having lower per capita energy consumption than developed nations, India faces significant challenges due to its large population and developmental needs.
• India’s climate strategy includes low-carbon pathways, energy access for all, and resilience to climate impacts.
• India’s Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategies (LT-LEDS) are aimed at low-carbon development and include seven key strategic transitions.

Key Strategic Transitions for Low-Carbon Growth

• Focus on low-carbon electricity development and efficient transportation systems.
• Promoting sustainable urban planning, material efficiency, and eco-friendly industrial systems.
• CO2 removal and enhancing forest and vegetation cover for ecological and socio-economic benefits.
• Long-term plans to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.

India’s Initiatives for Carbon Neutrality

• India has implemented multiple initiatives for environmental protection, including afforestation and climate adaptation measures.
• Key initiatives include the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” tree plantation campaign, the Green Credit Program, and the National Afforestation Programme (NAP).
• Sustainable urban planning policies, such as the Smart Cities Mission, Atal Mission for Urban Rejuvenation, and Clean Air Programs, are key to India’s climate adaptation efforts.
• Efforts to conserve coastal ecosystems, like mangrove restoration programs and integrated coastal management, help mitigate climate risks.

Innovative Measures and Conclusion

• India has adopted innovative methods like the Miyawaki technique for tree planting at the Mahakumbh 2025 to improve green cover.
• With these strategies, India is paving the way for a climate-resilient and sustainable future while fulfilling its commitment to the global climate agenda. 

Practice Question:  Analyze the factors contributing to India’s 7.93% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in 2020. How do these efforts support India’s long-term climate goals? (150 Words /10 marks)

 

Prelims Facts

1. An unlikely mystery: studies shed new light on how genes are made

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7)

Context

Research from the University of Nevada and Max Planck Institute explored gene creation through duplication, methylation, and random sequences.

How Genes Are Made: New Research Insights

Gene Duplication

• Gene duplication is a key process in creating new genes.
• When a gene is duplicated, one copy keeps its original function, while the other is free to mutate and develop new functions.
• Researchers discovered that duplicated genes have more methylated DNA, which helps prevent the overproduction of proteins.

Methylation and Mutation

• Methylation refers to the addition of a methyl group to a DNA molecule, affecting its function.
• Methylated genes tend to mutate more, which helps generate diversity in genetic functions.

Exogenous DNA and Random Sequences

• Researchers inserted random DNA sequences into human cells to observe their effects.
• Some of these random sequences helped cells grow, acting like early-stage genes that could evolve.

Retaining Useful Genes

• For a gene to stay in the genome, it must be useful or allow the organism to survive.
• Non-essential genes, like those for blood types, may not have a clear function but are retained due to evolution.

Conclusion

• These findings show how new genes emerge through duplication, mutations, and the survival of useful genetic changes over time.

2. IMD: India’s weather tracker

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7)

Context

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) will celebrate its 150th anniversary on January 15, 2025.

 India Meteorological Department (IMD):

• The IMD was established in 1875 by the British government in India.
• Henry Francis Blanford was its first Meteorological Reporter.
• The IMD was created due to the importance of monsoons and cyclones in South Asia.
• The 1864 Calcutta cyclone and the Orissa famine in 1866 led to the formation of the IMD.
• Initially based in Calcutta, the IMD moved to New Delhi in 1944.
• After India’s independence, the IMD joined the World Meteorological Organisation in 1949.
• The IMD operates six Regional Meteorological Centres and a Meteorological Centre in each state capital.
• It tracks weather phenomena like rainfall, cyclones, and earthquakes.
• The IMD issues weather alerts and warnings to the public.
• It uses data from observatories, naval ships, balloons, and satellites for its services.

3. Pink Fire Retardent

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained- Page No. – 16)

Context

The article examines the use of pink fire retardants in combating wildfires.

Analysis of the news:

What is Pink Fire Retardant?

• Pink fire retardant, primarily Phos-Chek, is a chemical solution used to slow or prevent the spread of wildfires. 
• Its main component is an ammonium phosphate-based slurry, mixed with salts like ammonium polyphosphate. 
• The solution is sprayed ahead of fires to coat vegetation and inhibit oxygen supply, thus reducing flammability. 
• The bright pink color ensures visibility for firefighters, aiding in creating fire lines for containment.

Effectiveness and Limitations

• While pink fire retardants are a long-standing firefighting tool, their effectiveness remains debatable. 
• Studies suggest their success depends on variables such as terrain, fuel type, and weather conditions. 
• Their role is often hard to isolate, as they are used alongside other suppression tactics. 
• Critics argue that the narrow conditions under which they are effective are shrinking due to climate change.

Environmental Concerns

The use of aerial fire retardants raises significant environmental issues:

• Toxic Metals: Research shows Phos-Chek contains harmful metals like chromium and cadmium, which pose risks of cancer, kidney, and liver diseases.
• Impact on Waterways: Retardants entering rivers and streams harm aquatic life, with heavy metals causing long-term ecological damage.
• Pollution: Between 2009 and 2021, over 440 million gallons of retardant were used, releasing an estimated 400 tons of heavy metals into the environment.

4. India’s SSI Mantra Achieves Historic Feat: Successful Robotic Cardiac Telesurgeries Over 286 km

Context

India’s SSI Mantra 3 Surgical Robotic System pioneers groundbreaking telesurgery, bridging geographical gaps in advanced cardiac care.

Analysis of the news:

• India achieved a historic milestone in medical innovation with the successful completion of two robotic cardiac surgeries via telesurgery, facilitated by the indigenous SSI Mantra 3 Surgical Robotic System. 
• This achievement signifies a transformative leap in healthcare accessibility and precision surgery.

Details of the Surgeries

1. Telerobotic Internal Mammary Artery Harvesting
   • Procedure: Performed remotely at Manipal Hospital, Jaipur, from Gurugram.
   • Duration: Completed in just 58 minutes.
   • Latency: Ultra-low latency of 35-40 milliseconds ensured remarkable precision.
2. Robotic Beating Heart TECAB
   • Procedure: A highly complex Totally Endoscopic Coronary Artery Bypass (TECAB) on a beating heart.
   • Significance: A world-first surgery, showcasing technological advancement in cardiac procedures.
   • Latency: Similarly low latency of 40 milliseconds enabled seamless execution.

Technological Advancements

• SSI Mantra 3: The first and only robotic system worldwide with regulatory approval for telesurgery and tele-proctoring.
• Regulatory Approval: Certified by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), enabling remote surgeries and medical training.

Impact on Healthcare

• Bridging Geographical Gaps: Provides expert care to underserved regions, addressing healthcare disparities in rural India.
• Improved Patient Outcomes: Facilitates accurate, timely interventions regardless of location.
• Medical Collaboration: Enables remote mentoring and training, fostering skill development in distant areas.

For more such UPSC-related Current Affairs, Check Out-11 January 2025: Daily Current Affairs