In today’s daily current affairs briefing for UPSC aspirants, we explore the latest developments that hold relevance for the upcoming civil services examination. Our focus today includes a critical analysis of recent policy changes, international affairs, and national developments, all of which play a pivotal role in shaping the socio-political and economic landscape of India. Stay informed and stay ahead in your UPSC preparations with our daily current affairs updates, as we provide you with concise, well-researched insights to help you connect the dots between contemporary events and the broader canvas of the civil services syllabus.
Q3 Witnesses Accelerated GDP Growth at 8.4%
Tag: GS-3 Economy
In News: In the October-December period of 2023, India experienced a notable upswing in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, reaching a six-quarter peak at 8.4%.
National Statistical Office (NSO) Overview
- Formed in May 2019, NSO is the result of the merger between the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) and the Central Statistics Office (CSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
- NSO serves as the key agency for planned statistical development in India, setting norms, standards, and overseeing data collection, processing, and dissemination.
Key Highlights from NSO Data
- The second quarter growth estimate revised to 8.1%, and the first quarter revised higher to 8.2% from 7.8%.
- The Q3 GDP growth of 8.4% marks the highest in six quarters, with the last faster growth recorded in Q1 2022-23 at 13.1% (revised to 12.8%).
- RBI’s Q3 growth projection at 6.5% contrasts with the actual 8.4%, led by double-digit growth in manufacturing (11.6%) and a 9.5% expansion in the construction sector.
Sectoral Performance
- Agriculture faces a contraction of 0.8% in October-December, while manufacturing and construction sectors show robust growth.
- Private consumption expenditure rises by 3.5% YoY, while government consumption expenditure decreases by 3.2%.
- Gross fixed capital formation, an investment indicator, records a substantial growth of 10.6% in the third quarter.
Key Concepts: GDP and GVA
- GDP, or Gross Domestic Product, represents the total monetary value of all finished goods and services produced within a country’s borders in a specific time frame.
- It serves as a comprehensive measure of a country’s economic health, encompassing private and public consumption, government outlays, investments, construction costs, and foreign trade balance.
- Gross Value Added (GVA) comes into play when GDP may not accurately depict the economic scenario.
- GVA measures the total value of goods and services produced in an economy, accounting for the value added to a product after deducting intermediate consumption.
- In India, GVA is measured at ‘basic prices.’
GDP-GVA Relationship
- The relationship between GDP and GVA is expressed by the equation: GDP = GVA + Taxes on products by governments – Subsidies on products provided by the government.
- Generally, the absolute level of GDP exceeds GVA due to higher taxes received compared to subsidies spent by the government.
Source: IE
Article 371A and its Impact on Coal Mining in Nagaland
Tag: GS – 3 Mineral & Energy Resources, Distribution of Key Natural Resources, GS- 2 Government Policies & Interventions, Issues Arising Out of Design & Implementation of Policies
In News: Article 371A in Nagaland hampers coal mining regulation, especially in overseeing small-scale operations, due to its preservation of Naga customary law.
Understanding Article 371A of the Indian Constitution
- Article 371A, integrated through the 13th Amendment in 1962, provides special provisions for Nagaland, safeguarding religious, social practices, customary laws, and land-related matters.
- The Nagaland Legislative Assembly holds the authority to determine the applicability of parliamentary acts in these areas.
Rat-Hole Mining Regulation in Nagaland
- Nagaland possesses substantial but sporadic coal reserves totaling 492.68 million tonnes.
- The 2006 Nagaland Coal mining policy allows rat-hole mining due to the scattered nature of deposits, limiting operations to small-scale, individual landowner-based ventures.
- Rat-hole mining licenses are subject to stringent conditions, including limited mining areas, production caps, and environmental compliance.
- Despite regulations, instances of illegal rat-hole mining persist, posing safety and environmental concerns.
Article 371A’s Influence on Mining Control
- Article 371A’s grant of special rights complicates regulatory efforts, limiting the government’s ability to enforce regulations on land and resource usage.
- Challenges arise in regulating small-scale mining operations, with individual landowners, due to the protective provisions of Article 371A.
Addressing Safety and Environmental Concerns
- Recent incidents in rat-hole mines underscore the risks associated with unregulated mining, emphasizing the need for effective safety measures and regulations.
- The Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal banned rat-hole mining in 2014, citing environmental degradation and threats to miners’ lives.
Path Forward for Sustainable Mining
- Strengthen monitoring and enforcement measures to curb illegal mining activities, employing increased surveillance, inspections, and penalties.
- Conduct outreach programs to educate local communities about the adverse effects of unregulated mining and emphasize compliance with safety and environmental standards.
- Promote collaboration among government agencies, local communities, mining license holders, and environmental organizations to formulate comprehensive strategies for sustainable and responsible mining practices.
| UPSC Previous Year Questions Mains (2017)Q. “In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development”. Discuss. |
Source: TH
Nitrogen Pollution
Tag: GS – 3 Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation GS – 1
In News: Recent studies indicate that by 2050, approximately 33% of worldwide river sub-basins are expected to confront significant shortages of freshwater attributed to nitrogen pollution.
Overview of Nitrogen Pollution
- Nitrogen pollution denotes an excess of nitrogen compounds in environmental settings, primarily affecting water bodies like rivers and lakes. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), approximately 200 million tonnes of reactive nitrogen, constituting 80% of the total, is annually lost to the environment.
Drivers and Sources of Nitrogen Pollution
- Agricultural Activities
- Increased use of nitrogen-based fertilizers contributes significantly to nitrogen pollution, as they can leach into groundwater or runoff into surface water bodies.
- Industrial Processes
- Manufacturing nitrogen-based chemicals and fertilizers releases nitrogen compounds into the environment.
- Combustion of fossil fuels in industries emits nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere.
- Livestock Farming
- Livestock waste, mainly from manure and urine, contains nitrogen compounds such as ammonia.
- Improper management can lead to nitrogen runoff, contributing to water contamination and eutrophication.
- Biomass Burning
- Wildfires and burning of organic matter release nitrogen oxides (NOx) and nitrous oxide (N2O) into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution.
Impacts of Nitrogen Pollution
- Eutrophication
- Excess nitrogen acts as a nutrient, leading to algal blooming and oxygen-depleted zones, adversely affecting aquatic life.
- Human Health Impacts
- Elevated nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels in the air can worsen respiratory conditions.
- Nitrate contamination in drinking water poses health risks, particularly to infants.
- Ozone Depletion
- Nitrous oxide (N2O) released can deplete the stratospheric ozone layer, increasing health risks and harming ecosystems.
Government Initiatives Addressing Nitrogen Pollution
- Bharat Stage (BS VI) Emission Standards
- Stricter standards aim to reduce nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions from vehicles and industries.
- Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS)
- Encourages the use of controlled-release fertilizers, promoting efficient nutrient management.
- Soil Health Cards
- Provides farmers with soil nutrient information and customized fertilization recommendations.
- Nano Urea
- A patented fertilizer aimed at reducing conventional urea use and increasing crop productivity.
Strategies for Mitigating Nitrogen Pollution
- Sustainable Agricultural Practices
- Implementing precision agriculture and cover cropping to minimize fertilizer use.
- Improved Wastewater Treatment
- Upgrading infrastructure for proper treatment and disposal of industrial and urban sewage.
- Incentivizing Green Infrastructure
- Offering incentives for projects like green roofs and rain gardens to mitigate nitrogen runoff.
- Enhancing Public Awareness
- Raising awareness about responsible water and nitrogen management practices among farmers, industries, and the public.
| UPSC Previous Year Questions Prelims (2013) Q. Which of the following add/adds nitrogen to the soil? 1. Excretion of urea by animals 2. Burning of coal by man 3. Death of vegetation Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: (c) Prelims (2012) Q. Which one of the following sets of elements was primarily responsible for the origin of life on the Earth? (a) Hydrogen, Oxygen, Sodium (b) Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen (c) Oxygen, Calcium, Phosphorus (d) Carbon, Hydrogen, Potassium Ans: (b) Prelims (2010) Q. Which features of some species of blue-green algae helps promote them as bio-fertilizers? (a) They convert atmospheric methane into ammonia which the crop plants can absorb readily (b) They induce the crop plants to produce the enzymes which help convert atmospheric nitrogen to nitrates (c) They have the mechanism to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that the crop plants can absorb readily (d) They induce the roots of the crop plants to absorb the soil nitrates in larger quantities Ans: (c) Mains (2018)Q. Sikkim is the first ‘Organic State’ in India. What are the ecological and economic benefits of Organic State? |
Source: ET
Leap Year
Tag: GS-1 Geography
In News: In 2024, February 29th is recognized as Leap Day, an extra day inserted into the calendar during leap years, effectively extending the year to a total of 366 days.
Leap Year Definition
A leap year, characterized by 366 days instead of the usual 365, designates an additional day appended to February, effectively creating February 29.
Solar Calendar and Time Adjustment
- Solar Orbit and Regular Year
- A solar calendar signifies one complete Earth orbit around the Sun, taking about 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes, and 46 seconds.
- To simplify, a regular year is rounded to 365 days.
- Leap Year Correction
- To account for the extra time (rounded to six hours), 24 hours (one full day) are added every fourth year.
- Without leap years, the calendar would gradually desynchronize with the seasons.
- Preserving Calendar and Seasons
- The extra day prevents calendars from falling out of sync with seasons, crucial for cycles based on planting, harvesting, and other seasonal activities.
Evolution of Leap Years
- Julian Calendar Issues
- The Julian calendar’s approximation of the solar year accumulated errors, leading to a misalignment of about 10 days by the 16th century.
- Calendar Reform by Pope Gregory XIII
- In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII initiated a reform, realigning the calendar by omitting ten days.
- The Gregorian calendar introduced a refined leap year rule, omitting three leap years every 400 years.
Mathematics of Leap Year
- Leap Year Criteria
- Leap years are multiples of four, such as 2016, 2020, and 2024.
- However, being a multiple of four does not guarantee leap year status.
- Gregorian Leap Year Rule
- The Gregorian rule states that a leap year must be divisible by four, with exceptions for end-of-century years (ending in ’00’), which must be divisible by 400.
- For instance, 2000 was a leap year, but 1900 was not.
- Leap years include 2024, 2028, 2032, and 2036.
- Fine-Tuning the Calendar
- The additional rule, skipping leap years for centuries not divisible by 400, fine-tunes the calendar by correcting the slight overcompensation in the solar year.
- This adjustment ensures a closer alignment with the actual solar year, maintaining seasonal accuracy.
Source: IE
Exercise MILAN 2024
Tag: GS-2 IR
In News: The Sea Phase of Exercise MILAN 2024 concluded with a closing ceremony hosted aboard the INS Vikrant, signifying the conclusion of the maritime maneuvers off Visakhapatnam.
Overview of MILAN 2024
- Biennial Multilateral Naval Exercise
- MILAN 2024 represents the 12th edition of the biennial Multilateral Naval Exercise hosted at Visakhapatnam, under the Eastern Naval Command’s jurisdiction.
- Objectives of MILAN
- The primary goal of MILAN is to foster professional interaction among friendly navies and cultivate expertise in conducting multilateral large-force operations at sea.
- Historical Background
- MILAN commenced in 1995 in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with the participation of navies from Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand in its inaugural edition.
- 2024 Exercise Structure
- The exercise comprises two phases:
- Harbour Phase: Involving activities such as the International Maritime Seminar, city parades, tech exhibitions, expert exchanges, youth officer gatherings, and sports events.
- Sea Phase: Featuring the active participation of ships and aircraft from friendly nations, along with units from the Indian Navy, including carriers.
- The exercise comprises two phases:
- The International Maritime Seminar of MILAN 2024 had the theme ‘Partners across Oceans: Collaboration, Synergy, Growth.’
Recent Developments in the Indian Navy
- Commissioning of New Ships
- INS Vikrant: India’s inaugural indigenously-built aircraft carrier, marking a significant stride towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
- INS Mormugao: A stealth guided-missile destroyer, a part of Project 15B aimed at enhancing anti-surface warfare capabilities.
- INS Vagir: A new Kalvari-class submarine, reinforcing the Navy’s underwater capabilities.
- INS Sandhayak: The first Survey Vessel Large (SVL) ship recently commissioned into the Indian Navy.
- Recent Acquisition Programs
- Project 17A Frigates: Advanced stealth frigates under construction at indigenous shipyards.
- Project 75I Submarines: A program aimed at building six indigenously-designed submarines with advanced stealth and firepower.
- Advancements in Submarine Rescue
- Acquisition of advanced Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles (DSRVs) from the United Kingdom in 2018 and 2019, enhancing submarine rescue capabilities.
- India is among the 12 countries possessing this technology, emphasizing its strategic significance.
- Induction of two indigenous Diving Support Vessels (DSVs) by Hindustan Shipyard Ltd, Visakhapatnam, further strengthening submarine rescue operations.
- DSRV system capabilities include locating submarines up to 1,000 meters depth using advanced sonar technology and remotely operated vehicles.
Source: PIB
Chromosomal Disorders from Prehistoric Skeletal Remains
Tag: GS-3 Science and Tech.
In News: In a recent discovery, researchers have detected chromosomal disorders in prehistoric skeletal remains dating back around 5,500 years.
Chromosomal Trisomy: Understanding Down Syndrome and Edwards Syndrome**
- Chromosomal Trisomy Overview
- Individuals with chromosomal trisomy possess three copies of a chromosome, resulting in genetic conditions such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21) and Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18).
- Down Syndrome
- Genetic Basis: Down syndrome occurs when there is an additional copy of chromosome 21.
- Prevalence: It is the most common chromosomal anomaly in humans.
- Effects: Down syndrome can lead to intellectual disabilities and various health issues.
- Edwards Syndrome
- Genetic Basis: Edwards syndrome manifests when a baby is born with three copies of chromosome 18.
- Effects: It causes physical growth delays during fetal development.
- Historical Presence of Trisomy Cases
- Ancient Cases: Trisomy cases, including Down syndrome and Edwards syndrome, have been identified in ancient periods.
- Bronze Age: Instances date back to the Bronze Age (approximately 2,700 BCE).
- Neolithic Period: Trisomy cases are also noted in the Neolithic period (approximately 3,500 BCE).
- Trisomy Cases in Iron Age Spain
- Period: During the early Iron Age in Spain (800-400 BCE).
- Detectable Cases: Three cases of Down syndrome and one case of Edwards syndrome were identified.
- Significance: These findings suggest a potential higher frequency of trisomy carriers in the societies of that era.
Source: TH
Mission Utkarsh
Tag: GS-2 Health
In News: As a component of Mission Utkarsh, the Ministry of Ayush and the Ministry of Women and Child Development have joined forces to augment the nutritional well-being of adolescent girls through Ayurvedic interventions.
Mission Utkarsh: Elevating Districts through Health Initiatives
- Mission Utkarsh Overview
- Under Mission Utkarsh, 15 central ministries or departments collaborate to uplift districts with lower socio-economic indicators to meet or exceed state and national averages.
- Phase One Focus: Anaemia in Adolescent Girls
- Targeted Districts: The initial phase concentrates on addressing anaemia in adolescent girls (14-18 years) in five aspirational districts.
- Selected States and Districts
- Assam: Dhubri
- Chhattisgarh: Bastar
- Jharkhand: Paschimi Singhbhum
- Maharashtra: Gadchiroli
- Rajasthan: Dhaulpur
- Objective: Achieving “Anaemia Mukt Bharat”
- Ultimate Goal: The mission aims to combat anaemia and contribute towards realizing the vision of an “Anaemia Mukt Bharat” (Anaemia Free India).
- Understanding Anaemia
- Medical Condition: Anaemia is a health condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or haemoglobin in the blood.
- Impact: This deficiency results in a reduced capacity of the blood to carry oxygen, affecting overall health.
Source: TH
Melanochlamys Droupadi
Tag: GS-3 Environment
In News: The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has christened a recently discovered marine species of head-shield sea slug, distinguished by a prominent ruby red spot, found along the West Bengal and Odisha coasts.
Characteristics of Melanochlamys Genus
- Morphological Features
- Body Description: The species belonging to the genus Melanochlamys exhibit a short, blunt, and cylindrical body.
- Dorsal Surface: Their dorsal surface is smooth, featuring two dorsal shields – the anterior cephalic and posterior shield.
- Physical Appearance:
- Color and Size: These species are small and brownish-black, showcasing a distinctive ruby red spot at the hind end.
- Hermaphroditic Nature: Melanochlamys species are hermaphrodites.
- Reproductive Patterns
- Reproduction Period: The reproductive activities of these species are observed to occur between November and January.
- Adaptations for Burrowing
- Mucus Secretion: Melanochlamys droupadi, a representative species, secretes transparent mucus.
- Protective Function: This mucus shields the species from sand grains when crawling beneath smooth sand, rendering their bodies rarely visible.
- Geographical Distribution
- Typical Habitat: Species of the Melanochlamys genus are generally found in temperate regions of the Indo-Pacific Oceanic realm.
- Tropical Exceptions: Three species, namely Melanochlamys papillata from the Gulf of Thailand, Melanochlamys bengalensis from the West Bengal and Odisha coast, and Melanochlamys droupadi, are classified as truly tropical.
Source: TH
New Chairperson of Lokpal
Tag: GS-2 Polity
In News: Former Supreme Court Justice Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar was recently designated as the Lokpal’s chairperson, ending a nearly two-year period during which the position remained unoccupied.
Appointment of Lokpal Members
- Presidential Appointment
- The President appoints the chairperson and members of the Lokpal.
- Selection Committee
- A Selection Committee is constituted to recommend candidates for the Lokpal.
- The Prime Minister serves as the chairperson of this Selection Committee.
- Composition of Lokpal
- Besides the chairperson, the Lokpal can comprise up to eight members.
- This includes four judicial members and four non-judicial members.
Source: TH
Doomsday Glacier
Tag: GS-3 Environment and Ecology
In News: Disclosing fresh insights into Antarctica’s ominous “Doomsday Glacier,” scientists have unveiled that the Thwaites Glacier has been experiencing ice loss since the 1940s.
Doomsday Glacier – Thwaites Glacier: Understanding the Threat
- Geographical Location
- Thwaites Glacier, nicknamed the “Doomsday Glacier,” is situated in the remote Amundsen Sea in West Antarctica.
- Physical Characteristics
- Size and Flow: It is a wide and fast-flowing glacier, approximately equivalent in size to Florida or Great Britain.
- Climate Sensitivity: Thwaites Glacier has garnered significant attention from the scientific community due to its high sensitivity to climate change.
- Global Significance
- Vulnerability: Identified as one of the most vulnerable glaciers globally concerning future sea-level rise.
- Annual Ice Loss: Satellite measurements reveal an alarming annual ice loss of nearly 50 billion tons, contributing significantly to the elevation of global sea levels.
- Current Contribution: Thwaites Glacier already contributes 4% to the global rise in sea levels.
- Sea-Level Rise Impact
- Potential Impact: Complete melting of Thwaites Glacier could result in a sea-level rise of approximately 65 centimeters (over 2 feet) globally.
- Buffer Function: The glacier serves as a crucial buffer, restraining neighboring glaciers that, if melted, could contribute up to three meters of additional sea-level rise.
- Concerns and Configuration
- Marine-Based Configuration: A critical concern lies in Thwaites’ configuration, situated on land below sea level.
- Grounding Line Retreat: The glacier’s grounding line, where it lifts off the land and starts floating on the sea, is retreating inland.
- Potential Instability: The marine-based situation allows the glacier to pass over deeper valleys as it retreats, triggering a phenomenon known as “marine ice sheet instability.”
- Accelerated Melting: This process accelerates the discharge of ice into the sea, potentially exacerbating the glacier’s melt.
Source: WION
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are daily current affairs?
A: Daily current affairs refer to the most recent and relevant events, developments, and news stories that are happening around the world on a day-to-day basis. These can encompass a wide range of topics, including politics, economics, science, technology, sports, and more.
Q: Why is it important to stay updated with daily current affairs?
A: Staying updated with daily current affairs is crucial because it helps individuals make informed decisions in their personal and professional lives. It enables people to understand the world around them, stay aware of significant events, and engage in informed discussions about important issues.
Q: Where can I access daily current affairs information?
A: There are various sources for daily current affairs, including newspapers, news websites, television news broadcasts, radio programs, and dedicated apps or newsletters. Social media platforms are also widely used to share and access current affairs information.
Q: How can I effectively incorporate daily current affairs into my routine?
A: To incorporate daily current affairs into your routine, consider setting aside specific times each day to read or watch news updates. You can also subscribe to newsletters or follow news apps to receive curated content. Engaging in discussions with peers or participating in online forums can further enhance your understanding of current events.
Q: What are some tips for critical analysis of daily current affairs?
A: When analyzing daily current affairs, it’s essential to cross-reference information from multiple sources to ensure accuracy. Additionally, consider the source’s credibility and bias, if any. Develop the ability to identify the main points and implications of news stories, and critically evaluate the significance and impact of the events reported.
In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.
For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here
For Daily Updates and Study Material:
Join our Telegram Channel – Edukemy for IAS
- 1. Learn through Videos – here
- 2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs – here
- 3. Daily Newsletter – Get all your Current Affairs Covered – here
- 4. Mains Answer Writing Practice – here
