29 January 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. The impact of classifying denotified tribes

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

Topic: GS1 – Indian Society

Context

The Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) study categorized 268 denotified, semi-nomadic, and nomadic tribes. It recommends inclusion in SC, ST, and OBC lists, addressing challenges in tribal classification.

Comprehensive Categorization of Tribes

• The Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) and Tribal Research Institutes (TRI) have classified 268 denotified, semi-nomadic, and nomadic tribes for the first time.
• This study included 1,559 individuals across South and Southeast Asia and recommended the inclusion of 179 communities in the Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) lists.
• Among these, 85 communities were classified for the first time.
• However, 63 communities could not be traced, suggesting they may have assimilated or migrated.

Why the Study Was Needed?

• After the repeal of the Criminal Tribes Act in 1949, many tribes were denotified, but their classification remained incomplete.
• Various commissions, including the Kalelkar, Lokur, Mandal, Renke, and Idate Commissions, have tried to address this but faced difficulties.
• The Idate Commission in 2017 found over 1,200 tribes but also highlighted the lack of classification for 267 tribes.
• A Special Committee formed in 2019 gave the task of classification to AnSI and TRIs, who submitted their report in 2023.

Need for Categorization

• The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment stressed the urgency of categorizing these communities for better welfare access.
• Misclassification in previous censuses has led to confusion regarding tribes and castes.
• Some communities remain unclassified, making it difficult for them to avail welfare schemes.

Impact of the Study

• The classification of these tribes is creating political debate, especially regarding reservations for SC, ST, and OBC categories.
• Activists and experts are discussing whether these tribes should be classified separately or included under existing categories.
• The study could ease the process of including these communities in welfare programs.

Next Steps

• The Special Committee is reviewing the report and will prepare a final report for government action. 

PYQ: Why are the tribals in India referred to as the Scheduled Tribes? Indicate the major provisions enshrined in the Constitution of India for their upliftment. (200 words/12.5m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-1 2016)

Practice Question:  Examine the significance of the recent study on denotified, semi-nomadic, and nomadic tribes in India. How does it address historical issues in classification? (150 Words /10 marks)

2. New study decodes when the Nicobarese people came to the island

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

Topic: GS1 – Indian Society, GS3 – Science and Technology

Context

A recent genetic study traces the migration history of the Nicobarese people, revealing their links to Southeast Asia and refining the timeline of their arrival.

Early Human Migration

• More than 500,000 years ago, human ancestors began migrating beyond Africa in search of food and better living conditions.
• Over time, humans spread to all habitable parts of the world, but some migration stories are still unclear.

New Genetic Findings

• The research team analyzed 1,559 DNA samples from South and Southeast Asia.
• The Nicobarese share a genetic link with the Htin Mal community from the Laos-Thailand region.
• They have also retained their Austroasiatic language roots, belonging to the Khmuic branch.

Revised Migration Timeline

• Earlier studies suggested the Nicobarese arrived 11,500 years ago, but new genetic research shows they migrated around 5,000 years ago.
• DNA mutations, which occur due to environmental changes, helped researchers refine the migration timeline.

Differences Between Andamanese and Nicobarese

• The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are separated by the Ten Degree Channel (150 km wide).
• Despite their proximity, the Andamanese and Nicobarese have distinct physical features and genetic histories.
• A 2005 study found Andamanese tribes like Onge and Great Andamanese preserved two ancient maternal genetic lineages M31 and M32, dating back 50,000–70,000 years.

Future Research Plans

• The Nicobarese live in isolation, which has preserved their genetic identity without much mixing with other populations.
• Their lifestyle differs greatly from genetically similar Southeast Asian groups.
• Scientists aim to study how natural selection and environmental factors have shaped their immunity and survival strategies.
• Their isolation from pathogens makes them vulnerable to infections from the outside world.

Nicobarese Tribe

Nicobarese are the indigenous people of the Nicobar Islands, which are part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. They belong to the Austroasiatic linguistic family and speak Nicobarese, which has several dialects. The community follows a tribal lifestyle, with fishing, hunting, and horticulture as primary occupations. They traditionally practice animism, but many have converted to Christianity. The Government of India protects Nicobarese under the Scheduled Tribes category. They maintain limited interaction with outsiders to preserve their culture. The Nicobar Tribal Council governs their local affairs. The 2004 tsunami severely affected their population and settlements.Entry to the Nicobar Islands is restricted to outsiders.

Practice Question:  Examine the significance of genetic studies in understanding human migration patterns. Discuss the findings related to the Nicobarese people’s origins and their implications. (150 Words /10 marks)

3. Is Trump’s order on birthright citizenship constitutional?

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

Topic: GS2 – International Relations – Effect of policies and politics of developed countries on India’s interests

Context

The U.S. District Judge blocked President Trump’s executive order attempting to limit birthright citizenship, declaring it unconstitutional.

What is Birthright Citizenship?

• Birthright citizenship grants automatic citizenship to individuals born within a country’s territory, regardless of their parents’ citizenship status.
• In the U.S., it is based on the 14th Amendment of the Constitution (1868), which states that anyone born in the U.S. is a citizen.

Provisions in US Constitution about Birthright Citizenship:

14th Amendment (1868): Grants birthright citizenship to all individuals born or naturalized in the U.S., subject to its jurisdiction. Clause: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States.” Historical Context: The amendment aimed to secure citizenship for formerly enslaved individuals and overturned the Dred Scott decision, promoting racial equality. Jus Soli Principle: The Jus Soli principle grants citizenship based on birthplace, regardless of the parents’ nationality or status.

Trump’s Executive Order

• Trump’s executive order sought to limit birthright citizenship, excluding children of undocumented immigrants or those with temporary legal status.
• It argued that children born in the U.S. to non-citizen parents should not automatically get citizenship.

Why the Judge Blocked the Order

• U.S. District Judge John Coughenour blocked Trump’s executive order, calling it “blatantly unconstitutional.”
• He expressed disbelief that the order could be deemed constitutional, questioning its legality.

Next Steps

• Trump could propose a constitutional amendment to change the law.
• Legal challenges are still ongoing, with the final decision possibly resting with the U.S. Supreme Court.

Impact on India:

Influence on Indian Immigrants: If birthright citizenship is restricted in the U.S., it could impact children of Indian immigrants, potentially altering their citizenship status. Increased Scrutiny on Immigrant Policies: India may face heightened scrutiny on its immigrant policies, especially for those with temporary legal status or undocumented status in foreign countries. Impact on Indian Students: Indian students in the U.S. on visas could be concerned about the citizenship of their children born in the U.S.Global Implications: The decision could influence other nations to reconsider their birthright citizenship laws, affecting Indian families abroad. Diplomatic Engagement: India may need to engage diplomatically to protect its citizens’ rights in the U.S. amidst potential policy shifts.

Practice Question:  Critically examine the implications of  US President Trump’s decision to curb birthright citizenship on U.S. immigration policies. Discuss its potential impact on India. (250 Words /15 marks)

4. Union Budget: understanding its formulation and implications

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 11)

Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy – Government Budgeting

Context

The Union Budget outlines the government’s financial plans, including expenditure, revenue, and deficit targets. This article discusses how the Union budget impacts economic growth, income distribution, and fiscal policies.

Overview of the Union Budget

• The Union Budget is a financial plan presented by the Finance Minister.
• It includes details about the government’s spending, taxes, and economic activities.
• The main components are expenditure, receipts, and deficit indicators.

Expenditure in the Budget

• Expenditure is divided into two types:
  • Capital Expenditure: Spending on creating long-lasting assets like new schools and hospitals.
  • Revenue Expenditure: Spending that doesn’t create assets, like salaries, subsidies, and interest payments.
• Expenditure is further classified into:
  • General Services: Basic services like administration.
  • Economic Services: Spending on infrastructure, rural development, and agriculture.
  • Social Services: Expenditure on education, healthcare, and welfare programs.
  • Grants-in-aid: Money given to other bodies or sectors.
• Development expenditure includes spending on economic and social services and is classified as capital or revenue.

Government Receipts

• Receipts are the government’s earnings, classified into:
  • Revenue Receipts: Earnings from taxes and non-tax sources that don’t add to liabilities.
  • Non-debt Capital Receipts: Earnings like loan recoveries or proceeds from selling assets, which don’t create debt.
  • Debt-creating Capital Receipts: Earnings from loans or borrowings that increase government liabilities.

Deficits in the Budget

• Fiscal Deficit: Difference between total expenditure and receipts. It shows how much the government borrows.
• Primary Deficit: Fiscal deficit minus interest payments.
• Revenue Deficit: Fiscal deficit minus capital expenditure.

Impacts of the Budget on the Economy

• Government expenditure creates demand in the economy.
• Taxes and other revenues reduce income in the private sector, leading to reduced demand.
• To analyze the budget, we look at trends in expenditure and revenue in relation to GDP.

Income Distribution

• The Budget affects different income groups in different ways.
• Welfare schemes like subsidies help the poor, while tax reductions benefit businesses.
• Although these decisions increase the fiscal deficit, they have distinct effects on income distribution.

Fiscal Rules

• Fiscal rules set targets for managing government debt and deficits.
• In India, these rules are based on the N.K. Singh Committee recommendations.
• Fiscal rules help guide government expenditure and tax policies. 

Practice Question:  Examine the major components of the Union Budget and discuss its implications on economic growth, income distribution, and fiscal policy in India. (250 Words /15 marks)

5. ASER 2024: Learning Recovery, Early Education Gains, and the Digital Shift in Rural India

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained – Page No. – 17)

Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Education

Context

The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024 by Pratham surveyed 6.49 lakh children across 605 rural districts, tracking foundational literacy, arithmetic levels, school attendance, and for the first time, digital literacy among adolescents.

Analysis of the news:

What is the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER)?

• The ASER, is an annual, citizen-led household survey that aims to understand whether children in rural India are enrolled in school and whether they are learning.
• ASER has been conducted every year since 2005 in all rural districts of India. It is the largest citizen-led survey in India.
• ASER surveys provided representative estimates of the enrolment status of children aged 3-16 and the basic reading and arithmetic levels of children aged 5-16 at the national, state and district level.

Improvement in Learning Levels

• Children aged 6 to 14 years showed a marked improvement in reading and arithmetic across grades, especially in Classes 1 to 3. 
• Among younger children (3–6 years), preschool enrollment rose to 77.4%, a major achievement in ensuring early childhood education.

Impact of NEP 2020 and FLN Initiatives

• The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 prioritized Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) through programs like NIPUN Bharat (2021). 
• The ASER survey found 83% of schools received government directives for FLN implementation, with significant improvements in teacher training (78%) and learning materials (75%), leading to enhanced early-grade learning outcomes.

Focus on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)

• The NEP recommends Class 1 enrollment at age six, ensuring children are cognitively and socially ready for formal schooling. 
• Anganwadis play a crucial role in bridging this gap, with more than one-third of children aged 3-5 enrolled. 
• Some states, like Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, have shifted towards pre-primary classes in schools, while others, like Rajasthan, have seen a rise in both Anganwadi and private LKG/UKG enrollments.

Trends in Digital Literacy Among Adolescents (15-16 years)

• The school dropout rate in this age group has declined to 7%, and over 90% of rural adolescents now have smartphone access. 
• However, gender gaps persist in digital skills—80.1% of boys could browse online, compared to 78.6% of girls, though in southern states, girls performed equally or better.

Conclusion:

• Achieving quality ECCE requires continuous data collection beyond ASER and UDISE to understand evolving education trends. 
• Strengthening Anganwadi training, parental engagement, and digital literacy can further accelerate learning improvements in rural India.

What are the Issues Faced by Elementary Education in India?

School Infrastructure and Amenities:Despite improvements in retention rates, there are concerns about the availability of basic amenities in schools. While 95% of schools have drinking water and toilets, over 10% lack electricity.Additionally, there is a lack of digitization, with more than 60% of schools lacking computers, and 90% not having access to internet facilities. Teacher Shortage and Quality:There is a shortage of teachers in schools, and the student-teacher ratio is high. The reliance on contractual teachers is noted, and there is widespread teacher absenteeism. The quality of education varies, with a visible divide between well-funded, formal schools and under-resourced, informal schools. Social Divides:There is the existence of social divides, including caste-class, rural-urban, religious, and gender divides, impacting the quality of education provided.

Practice Question:  The ASER 2024 report highlights significant progress in foundational literacy, early childhood education, and digital literacy in rural India. Discuss the role of NEP 2020 in driving these improvements and analyze the challenges that remain in achieving equitable learning outcomes across states. (150 Words /10 marks)

6. Greenland’s Lakes Transform Due to Extreme Weather

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained- Page No. – 17)

Topic: GS3 – Environment

Context

A recent study highlights how over 7,500 lakes in western Greenland have turned brown, emitted carbon, and suffered a drop in water quality due to extreme weather events in 2022.

Analysis of the news:

Rapid Transformation of Greenland’s Lakes

• These lakes, once pristine, play a crucial role in providing drinking water, supporting biodiversity, and acting as carbon sinks. 
• The transformation, which typically takes centuries, occurred within months—an unprecedented rate of change.

What Triggered the Change?

• In 2022, warmer temperatures caused rainfall instead of snowfall, leading to permafrost thawing. 
• As a result, organic carbon, iron, and minerals were released into the lakes. 
• This process was driven by atmospheric rivers—long, narrow air currents carrying moisture—that intensified due to climate change. 
• Scientific models predict a 50–290% increase in atmospheric rivers by the end of the 21st century, particularly affecting Greenland, North America, East Asia, Western Europe, and Antarctica.

Consequences of the Extreme Weather Events

The lakes underwent drastic physical, chemical, and biological changes:

• Water quality deterioration – The release of organic matter altered taste, odour, and clarity, making drinking water unsafe.
• Increased carbon emissions – The lakes, once carbon sinks, saw emissions rise by 350% due to reduced phytoplankton activity and increased organic matter breakdown.
• Disrupted ecosystems – Reduced sunlight penetration affected phytoplankton, limiting photosynthesis-based carbon absorption.

Why This Matters for Climate Change

• The study follows another alarming finding that land-based carbon absorption in 2023 hit its lowest level since 2003. 
• Natural carbon sinks—forests, soil, and oceans—absorb half of human emissions, but as they weaken or turn into carbon sources, atmospheric carbon levels will surge, worsening global warming. 
• The Greenland lake crisis serves as a stark warning of accelerating climate shifts and the urgent need for mitigation strategies.

About Greenland

It is the world’s largest (non-continent) island located between the continents of North America and Europe in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is geographically considered a part of the North American continent. It is surrounded by the Arctic Ocean to the north; by the Greenland Sea to the east; by the North Atlantic Ocean to the southeast; Davis Strait to the southwest and Baffin Bay to the west. Greenland was once a Danish colony and is now an autonomous province of Denmark.Climate: Greenland is in the polar zone, where winter temperatures reach as low as -50°C and summer temperatures rarely exceed 10–15°C. Due its size, however, temperatures can vary considerably from one part of the country to another. Highest Point: Gunnbjorn’s Fjeld Capital: Nuuk

Practice Question:  The transformation of Greenland’s lakes due to extreme weather events in 2022 highlights the impact of climate change on natural carbon sinks. Discuss the causes, consequences, and global implications of such abrupt environmental changes. (150 Words /10 marks)

7. Confined Electrons paves the way for improved optoelectronic materials, sensors & nano-catalysts

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2097003&reg=3&lang=1 )

Topic: GS3 – Science and Technology

Context

Researchers at JNCASR found that quantum confinement at the nanoscale breaks down plasmonic behavior in metals. This discovery paves the way for advancements in nanoelectronics, photonics, and catalysts.

Research Overview:

• Researchers discovered a new phenomenon: electron confinement-induced plasmonic breakdown in metals.
• This research opens new possibilities for nanoelectronics, optoelectronic materials, and efficient catalysts.

Plasmonic Properties in Metals:

• Metals are known for their plasmonic properties, which involve collective electron oscillations.
• These properties are essential in various technologies like catalysis and photonic devices.
• The study shows that size reduction at the nanoscale changes the electronic structure, leading to a breakdown of plasmonic properties.

What are Plasmonic Properties?

Plasmonic properties refer to the ability of certain materials, especially metals, to support oscillations of free electrons when exposed to light. These oscillations, called plasmons, can enhance the material’s interaction with light, making it useful in technologies like sensors, photonic devices, and catalysts. Plasmonic materials can concentrate light into tiny areas, allowing for more precise control of light at the nanoscale, which is important for advanced applications.

Research Methodology:

• The team used advanced spectroscopy techniques like electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) and computational simulations to understand electron behavior at the nanoscale.
• These tools allowed accurate predictions of electron movements in metal systems.

Collaborations:

• The study involved researchers from Purdue University, North Carolina State University, and the University of Sydney.

Implications of the Study:

• This discovery could revolutionize electronics, photonics, sensing technologies, and energy conversion.
• It challenges traditional assumptions about plasmonics and opens new avenues for future technological innovations.

Prelims Facts

1. What is the corpse flower?

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

Context

A rare corpse flower bloomed in Sydney and New York, emitting a rotting flesh-like odour to attract carrion insects for pollination, delighting curious visitors.

What is the corpse flower?

• On January 24, a rare corpse flower bloomed in Sydney, Australia, for the first time since 2010, and another bloomed in New York, U.S., on the same day.
• The two flowers belong to different species: Amorphophallus titanum and Amorphophallus gigas.
• The Sydney flower was named “Putricia”, while the New York flower was called “Smelliot”.
• The flower has large, fluted crimson petals and a tall central stalk, which can grow over 3 metres high.
• It gives off a rotting flesh-like smell to attract carrion insects for pollination.
• The stalk heats up to 37°C and releases chemicals like dimethyl trisulphide, isovaleric acid, and indole, which create the bad smell.
• The odour is strongest at night, when carrion insects are most active, and can be smelled hundreds of metres away.

2. China’s DeepSeek jolts tech world with a lean, mean AI model

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

Context

Chinese start-up DeepSeek has gained attention for its affordable AI models, challenging U.S. tech leaders by offering cutting-edge AI capabilities at a fraction of the cost.

What is DeepSeek?

• DeepSeek is a Chinese AI start-up founded in 2023 by Liang Wenfeng, co-founder of the quantitative hedge fund High-Flyer.
• The company has developed cutting-edge AI models, including DeepSeek-R1 and DeepSeek-v3.
• These models are claimed to rival top U.S. AI technologies while being far more affordable.
• DeepSeek’s AI Assistant, powered by DeepSeek-v3, dethroned OpenAI’s ChatGPT as the highest-rated free app on Apple’s App Store.
• The company’s DeepSeek-v3 model was trained with Nvidia’s H800 chips, costing under $6 million, much cheaper than U.S. counterparts.
• DeepSeek’s AI models are reportedly 50 times cheaper to operate than OpenAI’s GPT-4 for specific tasks.
• Despite success, DeepSeek faces scepticism regarding the true cost of development and access to Nvidia chips.

3. How do law enforcement agencies use fingerprints to solve crimes?

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained- Page No. – 17)

Context

The article discusses the use of fingerprint analysis in criminal investigations.

Analysis of the news:

Fingerprint Analysis in Criminal Investigations

• Fingerprints are used either to check an accused’s criminal record or to match prints found at a crime scene. 
• Under The Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022, fingerprints of individuals arrested for crimes with over a one-year sentence can be stored. 
• In this case, “chance prints” from the crime scene are being used to confirm the suspect’s presence.

Process of Lifting and Matching Prints

• Fingerprint experts collect prints from surfaces like glass, metal, or plastic. 
• The Henry Classification System is used to match fingerprints, requiring a 10-point similarity for a positive identification. 
• However, smudged prints lead to inconclusive results.

Importance of a Single Print Match

• Multiple people may leave prints at a crime scene, and not all fingers may leave clear impressions. 
• Investigators need just one proper match from any finger of the accused to establish presence at the scene.

Check more- 28 January 2025 : Daily Current Affairs