28 January 2025 : Daily Current Affairs
1. In Odisha, coal dust is clogging leaves, blocking carbon uptake
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7)
| Topic: GS3 – Environment |
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Discovery of Coal in Jharsuguda
- Jharsuguda, Odisha, became a coal-rich area after coal deposits were discovered in 1900 during railway construction.
- The first coal mine in the area was established in 1909, and the region now produces over 15 million tonnes of coal annually.
Importance of Coal
- Coal is formed by the decomposition of plants and is vital for electricity generation, iron, steel, cement, and fertilizer industries.
- Around three-fourths of India’s electricity comes from coal-fired power plants, making India the second-largest global coal producer and consumer after China.
Impact of Open-Cast Mining
- Open-cast mining, the dominant method in Jharsuguda, creates more air pollution than underground mining due to dust generation.
- Dust from mining operations spreads up to 30 km, affecting nearby vegetation and air quality.
- Dust clogs the stomata of plants, hampering photosynthesis and temperature regulation.
Use of Satellite Data for Monitoring
- Researchers used data from satellites like Landsat and Sentinel to study dust effects on vegetation.
- Satellite data showed significant impacts of dust on plants’ ability to absorb carbon dioxide.
- Field samples validated the accuracy of satellite estimates.
Environmental Consequences
- Clogged stomata, caused by the settling of dust on plant leaves, hinder the plant’s ability to absorb carbon and release oxygen.
- Increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere contributes to global warming over time.
- The reduced ability for transpiration causes plants to retain excess heat, leading to overheating.
- Overheated plants struggle to photosynthesize efficiently, causing stunted growth.
- In severe cases, plants may die due to the inability to regulate temperature and carry out essential functions.
- These changes ultimately harm local ecosystems, reducing biodiversity and disrupting the ecological balance.
Recommendations And Conclusion
- Governments can use satellite data to monitor dust pollution and address hotspots.
- Measures like water sprays and dust barriers can reduce mining dust and protect vegetation.
| PYQ: In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development.” Discuss. (150 words/10m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-1 2017) |
| Practice Question: Discuss the environmental challenges posed by open-cast coal mining, particularly its impact on vegetation. Suggest measures to mitigate these effects using modern technology. (150 Words /10 marks) |
2. Does cow urine have anti-infective properties?
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10)
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Details of the Papers Cited
- Peptide Profiling in Cow Urine
- Published in Nature Scientific Reports in 2021, this study analyzed peptides in bovine urine.
- Experts, however, stated that the study was a basic analysis of urine and did not support medicinal claims.
- There are similar studies on other mammal urine, and the study did not suggest human consumption of cow urine.
- Benefits of Cow Urine
- This paper, published in 2017, listed several claimed health benefits of cow urine, such as treating diseases like diabetes, kidney issues, and cancer.
- Experts, however, warned that consuming urine could be harmful due to the presence of bacteria.
Other Studies on Cow Urine
- A 2022 study by Dr. Bhoj Roj Singh found that cow urine contains harmful bacteria, including E. coli, and does not inhibit bacterial growth.
- Even urine distillates, sold commercially, were found to contain microbes, making their consumption risky and not therapeutically beneficial.
| Practice Question: What are the potential benefits and harmful effects of cow dung and cow urine, particularly in the context of their use for medicinal purposes. Highlight the scientific evidence supporting these claims and the risks associated with their improper use. (150 Words /10 marks) |
3. JPC rejects all amendments to Waqf Bill made by Opposition
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 4)
| Topic: GS2 – Indian Polity |
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Key Features of the Bill
- Main Proposal: The Bill initially sought to remove the concept of “Waqf by user”, which allowed properties to be considered Waqf simply due to their long-term use for religious purposes. This proposal caused concern over the potential threat to several religious structures.
- Amendments Accepted:
- Waqf by User: A concession was offered, allowing Waqf properties under “Waqf by user” to remain, except for those in dispute or government facilities. These properties must be registered before the new law comes into effect.
- Dispute Resolution: The Bill removed the requirement for District Collectors to inquire into disputes over government property, instead allowing state governments to designate a higher-ranking officer for the task.
- Non-Muslim Members on Waqf Board: The amendment allows up to four non-Muslim members on the Waqf Board, even though this move was opposed by Muslim bodies.
- Mutawalli Authority: An amendment gives the caretaker (Mutawalli) authority to extend the period for declaring property details, with consent from the Waqf tribunal.
- Waqf Tribunals: An amendment was made to include a member with knowledge of Muslim law in Waqf tribunals.
Opposition’s Concerns
- The Opposition moved amendments to remove provisions they felt were detrimental to minority rights, including the inclusion of non-Muslims in the Waqf Board and the donation rights for non-Muslims.
- They expressed dissatisfaction with being unable to discuss amendments or present their views, citing their concern over minority protection.
| Practice Question: Discuss the key provisions and objectives of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and its potential impact on religious properties in India. (150 Words /10 marks) |
4. India-China Resume Bilateral Engagements with Focus on Rebuilding Trust and People-Centric Initiatives
(Source – Indian Express, Section – Cover Page – Page No. – 01)
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Analysis of the news:
Resumption of Bilateral Engagements
- Measures include resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in summer 2025, restarting direct flights, issuing visas for journalists and think tanks, and discussing trans-border river data sharing.
- These steps aim to enhance people-to-people exchanges and stabilize relations after years of strained diplomacy.
High-Level Diplomatic Engagements
- The breakthrough came after Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s meetings with Chinese officials, including Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
- These talks followed discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping in October 2023 during the BRICS Summit, signaling efforts to address lingering tensions while prioritizing areas of mutual interest.
Border Issue: An Underlying Concern
- Although the Indian statement made no explicit mention of the border standoff, it hinted at addressing “priority areas of interest and concern” step by step.
- The absence of specific timelines or pathways for de-escalation along the LAC indicates a cautious approach to the unresolved border situation, underscoring its centrality in bilateral relations.
Building Mutual Trust and Confidence
- Both sides acknowledged the importance of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025 as an opportunity to strengthen public diplomacy.
- Commemorative activities and initiatives to rebuild trust are expected to address the erosion of mutual confidence since the 2020 incursions.
Contrasting Diplomatic Narratives
- China’s Foreign Ministry emphasized avoiding “mutual suspicion, estrangement, and exhaustion,” contrasting with India’s stance of “mutual respect, sensitivity, and interests,” as reiterated by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
- This divergence in diplomatic framing reflects differing priorities and approaches to repairing ties.
Geopolitical Implications
- China highlighted the broader significance of improved India-China relations, linking them to the interests of the Global South and regional stability.
- Both nations recognize the potential impact of their relationship on global peace and prosperity, underscoring the need for pragmatic collaboration despite existing challenges.
Conclusion
- The resumption of bilateral engagements between India and China marks a cautious step toward repairing strained ties.
- While people-centric initiatives and public diplomacy efforts offer hope, unresolved border tensions and divergent narratives underscore the complexities in rebuilding trust and fostering long-term stability.
| What Measures can India Adopt to Balance its Relations with China? |
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| PYQ: “Belt and Road Initiative” is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of : (2016)(a) African Union (b) Brazil (c) European Union (d) China Ans: D |
| Practice Question: Examine the recent measures taken by India and China to rebuild bilateral relations post-LAC disengagement. Discuss the challenges in addressing unresolved border issues and their implications for regional stability and global geopolitics. (250 Words /15 marks) |
5. India and Indonesia Forge Deeper Ties
(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained- Page No. – 16)
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Analysis of the news:
Historical Ties Rooted in Anti-Colonial Solidarity
- India and Indonesia’s relationship dates back to their shared struggle against colonialism.
- In the late 1940s, India, under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, extended unwavering support to Indonesia’s independence movement.
- Efforts ranged from diplomatic backing to practical actions such as banning Dutch flights over Indian airspace and supporting Indonesian rebels with aid.
- This era of solidarity culminated in a decade of mutual respect and collaboration, symbolized by Sukarno’s participation as the chief guest at India’s first Republic Day in 1950.
Divergence in the 1960s: A Strain in Relations
- The 1960s marked a significant downturn in bilateral ties. Diverging policies towards China, with India’s relations souring after the 1959 Tibetan uprising and Indonesia’s growing closeness to Beijing, created rifts.
- Sukarno’s support for Pakistan during the 1965 India-Pakistan war further strained relations, compounded by the domestic political upheaval in Indonesia that led to Suharto’s rise to power.
The Cold War Drift and Limited Engagement
- During the Cold War, India aligned with the USSR, while Indonesia leaned towards the US.
- Although the two countries signed key agreements like the 1977 maritime boundary pact, relations stagnated.
- Mutual visits by leaders in the 1980s maintained minimal engagement, but ties remained far from the highs of the early 1950s.
Revitalization: Look East and Act East Policies
- A turning point came in the 1990s with India’s ‘Look East’ policy under P.V. Narasimha Rao, aimed at strengthening ties with Southeast Asia.
- Economic liberalization and the shared goal of regional cooperation in the post-Cold War era provided fertile ground for growth.
- In 2014, the Modi government upgraded the approach to an ‘Act East’ policy, emphasizing tangible outcomes in areas like trade, security, and cultural exchange.
Contemporary Ties: Economic and Strategic Cooperation
- India and Indonesia have developed robust trade relations, with Indonesia being India’s second-largest trading partner in ASEAN.
- Bilateral trade surged from $4.3 billion in 2005-06 to $38.84 billion in 2022-23, fueled by commodities like coal, palm oil, and refined petroleum.
- Strategic cooperation in maritime security and defense has also grown, reflecting shared interests in the Indo-Pacific.
Challenges and Future Prospects
- Despite significant progress, India-Indonesia ties remain below potential.
- Key challenges include limited diversification of trade, underutilization of cultural linkages, and insufficient alignment in Indo-Pacific strategies.
- Strengthening people-to-people ties, expanding trade portfolios, and enhancing maritime collaboration could unlock the full potential of this partnership.
Conclusion
- India and Indonesia, as major powers in the Indo-Pacific, hold immense potential to shape regional stability and economic growth.
- Enhanced cooperation in this strategically vital region will benefit not only the two nations but also the broader international community.
| Practice Question: Analyze the historical evolution of India-Indonesia relations and discuss the significance of recent agreements in enhancing bilateral cooperation. How do these developments align with India’s ‘Act East’ policy and its strategic objectives in the Indo-Pacific region? (250 Words /15 marks) |
6. India’s Petroleum Industry: Fueling Growth and Innovation
(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2096817®=3&lang=1 )
| Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy |
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Introduction to India’s Petroleum Industry
- India’s petroleum industry includes exploration, production, refining, distribution, and marketing of petroleum products.
- The sector is divided into upstream (extraction), midstream (transportation and storage), and downstream (refining and distribution) activities.
- India’s petroleum industry ensures energy security and supports economic activities.
- India has 19 public sector refineries, 3 private refineries, and 1 joint venture refinery.
- The country’s refining capacity has increased from 215.066 Million Metric Tons per annum (MMTPA) in 2014 to 256.816 MMTPA in 2024.
Origin and History
- India’s petroleum journey began in 1867 with the first oil well drilled in Digboi, Assam.
- The Indian Oil Corporation was established in 1959 to refine and distribute petroleum products.
- Over time, India’s petroleum industry expanded to meet both domestic and export needs.
Industry Development
- The 1990s saw economic liberalization, leading to more private and foreign investments.
- Public sector companies like ONGC and Indian Oil Corporation played key roles in exploration and refining.
- The development of modern refineries, such as the Jamnagar Refinery, has made India a major refining hub.
- India has 651.8 million metric tons of crude oil reserves and 1,138.6 billion cubic meters of natural gas reserves.
Recent Updates in the Petroleum Industry
- India aims to increase exploration acreage to 1 million square kilometers by 2030, with a 16% increase expected by 2025.
- The cost of a domestic LPG cylinder is among the lowest worldwide, priced at Rs. 803 for a 14.2 kg cylinder.
- The approval process for exploration and production has been streamlined from 37 to 18 processes.
- The Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill passed in 2024 supports policy stability for oil and gas producers.
Foreign Trade in Petroleum
- India’s refining capacity of over 250 million metric tonnes per annum allows it to cater to global markets.
- Key export destinations include South Asian, African, and European countries.
- The government’s focus on export growth and establishing Special Economic Zones has boosted petroleum exports.
Contribution to GDP
- The Gross Value Addition (GVA) from refined petroleum products increased from Rs. 1.56 lakh Crore in 2012-13 to Rs. 2.12 lakh Crore in 2022-23.
- The sector provides direct and indirect employment in exploration, refining, distribution, and retail, supporting other industries like petrochemicals and logistics.
Global Positioning
- India ranks in the top five globally for refining capacity and is the seventh-largest exporter of refined petroleum products.
- India is the second-largest country in ethanol blending and third-largest in biofuel production.
- India also has the fourth-largest LNG terminal capacity and refining capacity globally.
Technological Advancements
- The petroleum industry has embraced enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques and AI for better exploration and production.
- Refineries are adopting green technologies to reduce environmental impact.
- The industry is also focusing on alternative fuels like compressed biogas (CBG) and bio-refineries.
Government Initiatives
- Several government schemes aim to strengthen the petroleum sector, such as:
- Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana for bio-ethanol production.
- Strategic Petroleum Reserves to ensure energy security.
- Ethanol Blending Program, with a target of 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025-26.
- Expansion of City Gas Distribution Networks and investments in energy security.
Greener Fuels and Sustainability Initiatives
- The SATAT Initiative promotes compressed biogas production using agricultural residue and waste.
- Mission Green Hydrogen aims to produce 5 million metric tons of green hydrogen by 2030.
- National Bio-Energy Program focuses on bio-energy production and waste reduction.
Implications for Growth and Development
- The petroleum industry drives economic growth by increasing GDP, boosting foreign exchange, and supporting industrial expansion.
- It strengthens India’s political and energy independence.
- The industry also fosters rural development by improving energy access and creating jobs.
Conclusion
- India aims for substantial growth in refining capacity, ethanol blending, green hydrogen production, and exploration acreage by 2030.
- These efforts will help India maintain its global leadership in the energy sector while addressing environmental goals.
| Practice Question: Analyze the role of India’s petroleum industry in driving economic growth, energy security, and environmental sustainability. What strategies should be adopted to enhance its future prospects? (150 Words /10 marks) |
Prelims Facts
1. Astronomers spot ferocious winds on alien planet
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7)
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Analysis of the news:
- WASP-127b, a gas giant exoplanet, has the fastest jet-stream winds, blowing at 33,000 km per hour.
- It orbits a star similar to our Sun, located 520 light-years from Earth.
- The planet’s diameter is 30% larger than Jupiter, but its mass is only 16% of Jupiter’s.
- WASP-127b is a “hot Jupiter,” with no solid surface, composed mostly of hydrogen and helium.
- Its atmosphere is about 2,060°F (1,400 K), with the day side facing the star constantly, and the night side facing away.
- The intense irradiation from its host star drives the planet’s extreme winds.
- The planet has been studied to understand atmospheric dynamics and wind patterns in exoplanets.
2. Tyagaraja’s guidance
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 6)
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More About Tyagaraja:
Tyagaraja’s guidance
- Born in Tiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, he belonged to the Telugu Brahmin Mulakanadu sect of the Kakarla vamsa.
- His aradhana (commemoration) is observed worldwide by musicians and devotees.
- He emphasized that devotion to God, particularly through chanting the name of Rama, is the way to attain divinity.
- Tyagaraja led a simple, disciplined, and austere life, focusing on spiritual practice rather than elaborate rituals.
- At 18, he was instructed by a sage to chant Lord Rama’s name 96 crore times, leading to divine visions.
- It is believed that Tyagaraja received divine blessings, including the grace of Narada, in his spiritual journey.
3. Libia Lobo Sardesai: The Voice of Goa’s Freedom Honoured with Padma Shri at 100
(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained- Page No. – 16)
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Analysis of the news:
Early Life and Entry into Nationalist Movement
- Libia Lobo Sardesai, born on May 25, 1924, in Portuguese-ruled Goa, grew up in Bombay (now Mumbai).
- While pursuing her college education, she became actively involved in the Goan nationalist movement, dedicated to ending over four centuries of Portuguese colonial rule.
Context of the Liberation Struggle
- The 1950s marked a period of heightened tensions in Goa, with severe censorship and repression under Portuguese rule.
- Following the assault and arrest of satyagrahis in 1954, India imposed an economic blockade on Goa, cutting off communication links.
- Portuguese authorities tightly controlled all media, stifling dissent and spreading propaganda.
- This environment necessitated alternative channels to sustain the liberation movement and morale among nationalists.
Underground Radio: ‘Voice of Freedom’
- In response, Libia, along with fellow nationalists Vaman Sardesai and Nicolau Menezes, established an underground radio station in 1955.
- Initially called ‘Q’ and later renamed Goenche Sodvonecho Awaz (Voice of Freedom of Goa) and Voz de Liberdade for Konkani and Portuguese broadcasts, it became a vital platform for countering Portuguese propaganda.
- The station operated under harsh conditions in the dense forests of the Western Ghats, often shifting locations to evade detection.
- Libia and Vaman worked tirelessly for six years, collating news, preparing broadcasts, and living in isolation amidst hazardous wildlife and environmental challenges.
Operation Vijay and Goa’s Liberation
- As Operation Vijay commenced in December 1961, Libia and Vaman were relocated to Belgaum.
- On December 17, the station broadcasted a direct message from Defence Minister V K Krishna Menon to the Portuguese Governor General, urging surrender to avoid casualties.
- Following the Governor General’s silence, Indian forces launched the operation, leading to Goa’s liberation on December 19.
- On that historic day, Libia and Vaman, aboard an IAF plane, announced Goa’s freedom from Portuguese rule, flying over Panaji and dropping celebratory leaflets.
4. Lezim
(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained- Page No. – 16)
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Analysis of the news:
What is Lezim?
- Lezim, a traditional folk dance of Maharashtra, is often part of cultural celebrations and school physical education routines.
- The dance features vigorous movements like squatting and jumping, performed to rhythmic beats of drums like the dhol.
- The small mallet (lezim) used produces clanging sounds, adding to the dance’s vibrancy. Historically, it accompanied festive processions, but today it symbolizes physical endurance and cultural heritage.
Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj: A Brief Overview
- Sambhaji Maharaj (1657–1689), the eldest son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, succeeded his father amid a succession battle.
- Known for his valiant defense of Maratha forts against the Mughals, he resisted Aurangzeb’s Deccan campaigns.
- However, Sambhaji was captured in 1689 and executed by Mughal forces, earning reverence as a martyr in Maratha history.
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