Daily Current Affairs for 8 January 2025

 

1. Delhi Assembly Elections

  • Details:

    • Elections for the 70-member Delhi Assembly will be held in a single phase on February 5. The Election Commission has emphasized transparency and efficiency in the electoral process.
    • Delhi has over 1.55 crore voters, including 2.08 lakh first-time voters.
    • By-elections in Tamil Nadu (Erode-East) and Uttar Pradesh (Milkipur) will also take place on the same date.

  • UPSC Relevance:

    • GS2: Polity and Governance
    • Themes: Election Commission of India (ECI), democratic processes, and voter rights.

  • Significance:

    • Highlights the role of the ECI in ensuring free and fair elections.
    • Reflects voter demographics, including representation of women and marginalized groups.

  • Key Concepts:

    • Model Code of Conduct.
    • Electoral reforms, including digitization of electoral rolls.

  • Potential UPSC Question: Discuss the measures taken by the Election Commission of India to ensure free, fair, and inclusive elections.

2. India-U.S. Collaboration on Sonobuoys

  • Details:

    • India and the U.S. will co-produce sonobuoys, which are advanced instruments used for undersea domain awareness.
    • Collaboration involves Bharat Dynamics Limited and Ultra Maritime, focusing on enhancing Indian Navy's submarine detection capabilities.

  • UPSC Relevance:

    • GS2: International Relations
    • Themes: Defense cooperation, technology transfer, and maritime security.

  • Significance:

    • Strengthens India-U.S. strategic partnership under the Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) initiative.
    • Enhances India’s capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region, countering China’s naval expansion.

  • Key Concepts:

    • Maritime security, India-U.S. defense agreements, and "Make in India" in defense.

  • Potential UPSC Question: Examine the significance of India-U.S. defense cooperation in strengthening maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.

3. Karnataka High Court Strikes Down Green Energy Rules

  • Details:

    • The Karnataka HC declared the Electricity (Green Energy Open Access) Rules, 2022, unconstitutional, citing that the central government lacked the legislative competence under the Electricity Act, 2003.
    • These rules aimed to promote renewable energy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.

  • UPSC Relevance:

    • GS3: Environment
    • Themes: Renewable energy, federalism, and climate commitments.

  • Significance:

    • Highlights the role of state electricity commissions in regulating power and renewable energy.
    • Raises concerns over India's commitments to achieving climate goals under the Paris Agreement.

  • Key Concepts:

    • Federal structure in India.
    • Legal frameworks for renewable energy promotion.

  • Potential UPSC Question: Analyze the challenges in implementing renewable energy policies in India in light of the federal structure.

4. Chhattisgarh Naxal Attack

  • Details:

    • A deadly IED blast in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, claimed the lives of eight security personnel and a driver.
    • The attack highlights the persistent threat of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE).

  • UPSC Relevance:

    • GS3: Internal Security
    • Themes: Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency measures, and role of state forces.

  • Significance:

    • Despite a decline in LWE incidents, such attacks underscore the need for robust counter-insurgency operations.
    • Highlights socio-economic grievances that fuel extremism.

  • Key Concepts:

    • Aspirational districts program.
    • Use of technology in counter-insurgency (e.g., drones and surveillance).

  • Potential UPSC Question: Discuss the measures taken by the government to address the challenges posed by Left-Wing Extremism in India.

5. India’s GDP Growth Slows

  • Details:

    • India’s GDP growth for FY 2024-25 is projected at 6.4%, down from 8.2% in the previous year.
    • Sectors like agriculture show promise, while manufacturing and mining face slowdowns.

  • UPSC Relevance:

    • GS3: Economy
    • Themes: Economic slowdown, fiscal policy, and sectoral growth.

  • Significance:

    • Reflects structural challenges in sustaining high growth rates.
    • Key focus for the Union Budget 2025-26.

  • Key Concepts:

    • Gross Value Added (GVA).
    • Fiscal policy measures to revive the economy.

  • Potential UPSC Question: Analyze the reasons behind India’s economic slowdown and suggest measures to achieve sustained growth.

6. Navy’s Role in Rescue Operations (Assam Coal Mine Tragedy)

  • Details:

    • Navy divers joined rescue operations for nine trapped miners in Assam, underscoring the persistent dangers of illegal mining.
    • Highlights environmental degradation and lack of regulation.

  • UPSC Relevance:

    • GS3: Environment
    • Themes: Mining regulations, disaster management, and environmental conservation.

  • Significance:

    • Raises questions about illegal mining practices and their socio-environmental consequences.
    • Highlights the need for better safety protocols.

  • Key Concepts:

    • Mining and Minerals Regulation Act.
    • Role of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

  • Potential UPSC Question: Examine the environmental and human costs of illegal mining in India and suggest regulatory measures.

7. Supreme Court’s RTI Observations

  • Details:

    • SC criticized delays in appointing RTI Commissioners by the central and state governments.
    • Emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability.

  • UPSC Relevance:

    • GS2: Governance
    • Themes: RTI Act, transparency, and administrative efficiency.

  • Significance:

    • Undermines the effectiveness of the RTI Act.
    • Reflects gaps in governance and accountability.

  • Key Concepts:

    • Role of RTI in empowering citizens.
    • Administrative challenges in implementing the RTI Act.

  • Potential UPSC Question: Critically analyze the challenges in the implementation of the RTI Act and suggest measures to enhance its effectiveness.

8. India’s Role in Global Diaspora (Pravasi Bharatiya Divas)

  • Details:

    • The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas event in Odisha focuses on the contributions of the Indian diaspora to national development.

  • UPSC Relevance:

    • GS2: International Relations
    • Themes: Role of the diaspora, cultural diplomacy, and remittances.

  • Significance:

    • Highlights the importance of the diaspora in India’s soft power.
    • Reflects India’s global economic influence through remittances.

  • Key Concepts:

    • Role of Ministry of External Affairs in diaspora engagement.
    • Globalization and migration patterns.

  • Potential UPSC Question: Discuss the significance of the Indian diaspora in strengthening India’s global influence.

9. Science and Technology: ISRO Leadership and Priorities

Details:

  • V. Narayanan has been appointed as the new Chairman of ISRO, succeeding S. Somanath.
  • The leadership transition comes at a critical time when ISRO is expanding its global partnerships and focusing on technological innovations.
  • Upcoming projects include:
    • Gaganyaan Mission: India’s first human spaceflight program scheduled for 2025.
    • Chandrayaan-4 and Aditya-L1: Missions to explore the Moon and the Sun, respectively.
    • Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV): Designed for rapid deployment of small satellites, meeting increasing global demand.
    • Partnerships: Collaboration with NASA, European Space Agency (ESA), and private players under the "New Space" initiative.
    • Space Applications: Expansion of satellite use for agriculture, disaster management, and urban planning.

Significance:

  • The leadership change provides an opportunity to redefine ISRO’s long-term goals and strategic priorities.
  • Strengthens India’s position in the global space race, particularly in commercial satellite launches and interplanetary exploration.
  • Encourages private sector participation under the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe).

UPSC Relevance:

  • GS3: Science and Technology:
    • Role of space technology in national development.
    • Indigenous capabilities in high-tech sectors like space exploration.

Challenges:

  • Limited budget allocation compared to global space agencies like NASA and ESA.
  • Need to reduce dependence on foreign launch facilities for heavy payloads.
  • Balancing research and commercial goals with global geopolitical demands in space.

Potential UPSC Question:

  • What are the priorities of ISRO under its new leadership, and how will these impact India’s space ambitions?
    • Structure the answer with:
      • Introduction: Mention ISRO’s legacy and the leadership transition.
      • Body: Discuss ongoing and future missions, significance for India’s space strategy, and associated challenges.
      • Conclusion: Highlight the importance of aligning ISRO’s goals with India’s developmental and global strategic interests.

10. Environment and Sustainability: Coal Mining Tragedy in Assam

Details:

  • Incident: Nine miners were trapped in a flooded coal mine in Assam’s Dima Hasao district. Rescuers faced significant challenges due to water levels and poor mine infrastructure.
  • Historical Context:
    • The northeast has seen frequent coal mining disasters:
      • 2018: Meghalaya’s Ksan mine flooding killed 15 miners.
      • 2024: Fires and toxic gas inhalation killed several miners in Nagaland and Assam.
    • Illegal rat-hole mining remains widespread despite bans, contributing to environmental degradation and human fatalities.

Significance:

  • Highlights poor regulation and enforcement in mining operations.
  • Raises concerns over the safety of workers, especially in illegal mining setups.
  • Exposes the environmental costs of unregulated mining, including:
    • Deforestation.
    • Groundwater contamination.
    • Air pollution from methane and other gases.

UPSC Relevance:

  • GS3: Environment:
    • Linkages between resource extraction and environmental degradation.
    • Safety standards and legal frameworks in mining.

Challenges:

  • Lack of compliance with safety standards under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.
  • Environmental destruction in ecologically sensitive areas.
  • Social costs, including displacement and loss of livelihoods.

Solutions:

  • Strict enforcement of environmental and mining regulations.
  • Adoption of sustainable mining practices, such as bio-mining and modernized equipment.
  • Community-based initiatives to monitor and report illegal activities.
  • Rehabilitation programs for workers and environmental restoration efforts.

Potential UPSC Question:

  • Highlight the environmental and human costs of unregulated mining activities in India.
    • Structure the answer:
      • Introduction: Define unregulated mining and provide examples like the Assam tragedy.
      • Body: Discuss human costs (loss of life, poor safety standards) and environmental impacts (deforestation, water contamination).
      • Conclusion: Recommend stricter regulations, sustainable mining practices, and better enforcement mechanisms.

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