Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 5th December 2024

Aleppo City : In News

Syria’s second-largest city, Aleppo, has fallen from government control for the first time since the country’s conflict began more than a decade ago.

• Aleppo, or “Halab” in Arabic, is one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities, being mentioned in Egyptian texts from the 20th century BC.
• It is a principal city of northern Syria.
• It is situated in the northwestern part of the country, about 30 miles (50 km) south of the Turkish border.
• It lies some 60 miles (100 km) from both the Mediterranean Sea (west) and the Euphrates River (east).
• Located at the crossroads of several trade routes from the 2nd millennium B.C., Aleppo was ruled successively by the Hittites, Assyrians, Arabs, Mongols, Mamelukes and Ottomans.
• Aleppo’s most visible landmark is the medieval citadel, which sits on a partly man-made hill at the center of the city about 40 meters high.
• The Queiq River runs through the city, although it has at times run dry in Aleppo partly because of heavy water use in Turkey, where it originates.
• Aleppo was a focal point of the Syrian Civil War from 2012 until 2016, when opposition fighters there surrendered the city to government forces.

PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana:

Around 1.45 crore registrations have been made under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, and 6.34 lakh installations have been completed, Parliament was informed recently.

• It is a government scheme launched on February 15, 2024, that aims to provide free electricity to households in India.
• Under the scheme, households will be provided with a subsidy to install solar panels on their roofs.
• The subsidy will cover up to 40% of the cost of the solar panels.
• It would help one crore families get up to 300 units of free electricity per month with savings of up to Rs 18,000 annually.
• It is estimated that the scheme will save the government Rs. 75,000 crore per year in electricity costs.
• The scheme has an outlay of Rs 75,021 crore and is to be implemented till FY 2026-27.
• The benefits of the scheme include:
• Free electricity for households.
  • Reduced electricity costs for the government.
  • Increased use of renewable energy.
  • Reduced carbon emissions.
• Eligibility:
  • The household must be an Indian citizen.
  • The household must own a house with a roofthat is suitable for installing solar panels.
  • The household must have a valid electricity connection.
  • The household must not have availed any other subsidyfor solar panels.
• Under the scheme, DISCOMs are designated as State Implementation Agencies (SIAs) responsible for facilitating various measures, including net meter availability, timely inspection, and commissioning of installations.
• DISCOMs will receive incentives based on their achievement in the installation of additional grid-connected rooftop solar capacity beyond a baseline level.
• The total financial outlay for the ‘Incentives to DISCOMs’ component is Rs 4,950 crore.

Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024: Passed

The Lok Sabha recently passed the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 by a voice vote.

• It introduces significant changes aimed at improving governance in the banking sector and enhancing customer convenience.
• The bill seeks to amend five acts: the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934; the Banking Regulation Act, 1949; the State Bank of India Act, 1955; the Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1970; and the Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1980.
• Highlights of the Bill:
  • Key provisions include allowing bank account holders to nominate up to four individuals for their accounts, with an option for successive or simultaneous nominations.
  • Locker holders, however, will be restricted to successive nominations.
  • The bill also proposes a revision to the definition of “substantial interest” for directorships, raising the threshold from ₹5 lakh to ₹2 crore.
  • Additionally, the tenure of directors (excluding chairpersons and whole-time directors) in cooperative banks will increase from 8 to 10 years, aligning with the Constitution (Ninety-Seventh Amendment) Act, 2011.
  • It would allow a director of a Central Cooperative Bank to serve on the board of a State Cooperative Bank.
  • The Bill also seeks to give greater freedom to banks in deciding the remuneration to be paid to statutory auditors.
  • It also seeks to redefine the reporting dates for banks for regulatory compliance to the 15th and last day of every month instead of the second and fourth Fridays.
  • The bill also seeks to transfer unclaimed dividends, shares, and interest or redemption of bonds to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF), allowing individuals to claim transfers or refunds from the fund, thus safeguarding investors’ interests.

Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024 : Passed

The Rajya Sabha recently passed the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024, via a voice vote, paving the way for significant changes in India’s oil and gas exploration laws.

• It is a bill to amend the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Act, 1948, aiming to boost investment in oil and gas exploration and production.
• The bill will regulate the exploration and extraction of natural gas and petroleum.
• The amended bill expands the definition of mineral oils to include petroleum and natural gas in it.
• The amended bill includes any naturally occurring hydrocarbon, coal bed methane, and shale gas/oil in the category of mineral oils.
• However, it clarifies that mineral oils will not include coal, lignite, or helium.
• It also provides for mining leases – this will include various activities such as exploration, prospecting, production, making merchantable, and disposal of mineral oils.
• Prospecting is the initial stage in the search for oil and gas fields, involving the assessment of potential petroleum accumulations across large areas.
• The new bill will replace the mining lease with a petroleum lease to cover a similar set of activities. However, existing mining leases granted under the old Law will continue to be valid.
• The new bill will empower the central government to make rules on several matters, like regulating the grant of leases, merger, terms and conditions of leases, including the minimum and the maximum area and the period of the lease, conservation and development of mineral oils, methods for producing oil, and manner of collection of royalties, fees, and taxes, etc.
• It aims to decriminalize some of the provisions of the original 1948 law by introducing “penalties, adjudication by an adjudicating authority, and appeal as against the order of the adjudicating authority”.
• For cases of violation of rules, the bill provides to hike the punishment and penalty from a current fine of Rs 1000 to Rs 25 lakhs.
• In cases of exploring, prospecting, and production without a valid lease, a penalty of Rs 25 lakhs and continued violations will attract a penalty of Rs 10 lakh per day.
• For dispute resolution, the central government will appoint an officer of the rank of joint Secretary or above for adjudication of penalties.
• Appeals against the decision of the adjudication officer can be filed at the Appellate tribunal specified in the Petroleum and Natural Gas Board Regulatory Board Act, 2006.

Linen Inspection and Sorting Assistant System:

The Union Railway Minister inaugurated the Linen Inspection and Sorting Assistant (LISA) system.

• It is an Artificial Intelligence-based system, that inspects and sort linens such as bed sheets and towels provided to passengers in the air-conditioned coaches.
• It is designed to ensure 100% quality inspection of bed sheets used in trains.
• Advanced AI algorithms ensure precise and reliable inspection results and it can process large volumes of linens quickly.
• It was developed by the Pune division of Indian Railways and installed in Ghorpadi Integrated Coaching Complex (GICC).

Ayush Oushadhi Gunvatta Evam Uttpadan Samvardhan Yojana:

The union Minister of State (I/C) for Ayush informed the Rajya Sabha about the Ayush Oushadhi Gunvatta evam Uttpadan Samvardhan Yojana.

• Ayush Oushadhi Gunvatta Evam Uttpadan Samvardhan Yojana is a Central Sector Scheme formulated by the Ministry of Ayush.
• It aims to regulate Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Homeopathy (ASU&H) medicines in India, utilizing the framework provided by the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940, and its associated rules.
• Objectives of the Scheme:
  • To enhance India’s manufacturing capabilities and exports of traditional medicines and health promotion products under the initiative of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
  • To facilitate adequate infrastructural & technological upgradation and institutional activities in public and private sector for standardization, quality manufacturing and analytical testing of Ayush drugs & materials.
  • To strengthen regulatory frameworks at Central and State level for effective quality control, safety monitoring and surveillance of misleading advertisements of Ayush drugs.
  • To encourage building up synergies, collaborations and convergent approaches for promoting standards and quality of Ayush drugs & materials.

Subabul Tree:

Researchers have identified the therapeutic potential of the seedpods from the traditional medicinal plant Subabul in managing insulin resistance related to type II diabetes and developed a marker-assisted fraction and four active compounds from it.

• It is a fast-growing leguminous tree commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions.
• It originates from Mexico is a small, perennial, woody, highly branched to medium-sized tree with a short, clear bole.
• It was introduced as a cover crop in plantations and for fodder and fuel.
• It is mainly found in Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha and Tamil Nadu.
• The leaves and immature seeds are eaten in the form of soups or salad, both raw and cooked, providing a rich source of protein and fibre, leading to its traditional usage in human and animal food by different ethnic communities.
• It is valuable for its wood, which is used to make good quality charcoal, small furniture and paper pulp.

Rashtriya Gokul Mission: Role

The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying highlighted the role of the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) in the conservation of indigenous bovine breeds and the enhancement of milk production in the Lok Sabha.

• Rashtriya Gokul Mission was launched in 2014 for the development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds.
• The mission continues as part of the Rashtriya Pashudhan Vikas Yojna for the period 2021 to 2026 with a budget outlay of Rs. 2400 crore.
• The decline of indigenous bovine breeds, like Punganur(Andhra Pradesh), threatens valuable genetic resources. These breeds are climate-resilient, produce high-quality milk, and adapt well to local environments, highlighting the need for preservation efforts.
• RGM aims to boost bovine productivity, promote high-quality breeding, strengthen Artificial Insemination (AI) services.

DNA Profiles and Levirate Marriages:

During DNA profiling for an organ transplant, it was discovered that a father was not the biological parent of his son, revealing a case of levirate marriage.The exposed sensitive family information, raising concerns about genetic privacy and the unintended consequences of DNA analysis.DNA profiling is a technique to identify individuals based on unique variations in their DNA sequences.While 99.9% of human DNA is identical, the 0.1% variation, especially in Short Tandem Repeats (STRs), forms the basis of DNA profiling, enabling precise identification.Levirate marriage is a custom where the brother of a deceased (or physically incapacitated) man can marry to his brother’s widow, ensuring the continuation of the family line.

Indian Navy Day 2024:

On 4th December, Indian Navy Day was celebrated, honoring the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War and Operation Trident, which highlighted the Indian Navy’s strategic success in attacking Pakistan’s Karachi port.The theme for 2024 is “Strength and Power through Innovation and Indigenization”. The day underscores the critical role of the Indian Navy in maintaining national security and protecting maritime interests

SheSTEM, 2024:

SheSTEM 2024, an annual event organized by Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and the Office of Science and Innovation at the Embassy of Sweden, showcased energy storage and sustainability innovations from students across India.Organizers: Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, and the Embassy of Sweden. Objective is to inspire youth and promote STEM careers, focusing on innovative solutions for sustainability. Theme for 2024: Battery Technology and Energy Storage (BEST) systems.

Extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA):

Extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) has emerged as a groundbreaking area in cancer biology, challenging foundational genetic principles and offering new insights into cancer progression and drug resistance.ecDNA is a circular fragment of genetic material that breaks away from chromosomes and floats freely in the cell nucleus.Created by DNA damage, chromosomal rearrangements, or errors during cell replication.

Australian Davis Cup Icon Neale Fraser Passes Away at 91:

Neale Fraser, one of Australia’s most celebrated tennis players and captains, passed away at the age of 91. A legend of the sport, Fraser’s contributions as a player and as a Davis Cup captain marked a golden era for Australian tennis. Renowned for his prowess in both singles and doubles, Fraser won a total of 19 Grand Slam titles and led Australia to eight Davis Cup victories, solidifying his legacy as a tennis icon.

RBI Increases UPI Lite Wallet and Transaction Limits:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has raised the UPI Lite wallet limit to Rs 5,000, with an increase in the per-transaction limit to Rs 1,000. This adjustment, announced after the RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on October 9, 2024, aims to promote wider adoption of UPI Lite and ease offline transactions, providing a more seamless experience for users.

US Approves $1.17 Billion Deal for Indian Navy Chopper Equipment:

The outgoing Biden administration has approved a $1.17 billion deal under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program to supply advanced communication systems, sensors, and logistical support for the Indian Navy’s Sikorsky MH-60R multi-role helicopters. The deal, part of a broader strategy to counter challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) from China and Pakistan, underscores the growing defense partnership between India and the United States.

NSIC Pays Record Dividend of Rs. 37.97 Crore for FY 2023-24:

The National Small Industries Corporation Limited (NSIC), a Mini Ratna enterprise under the Ministry of MSME, achieved a milestone by paying its highest-ever dividend of Rs. 37.97 crore to the Government of India for the financial year 2023-24. Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Dr. Subhransu Sekhar Acharya, presented the dividend cheque to Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi, Hon’ble Union Minister, and Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, Hon’ble MoS, Ministry of MSME, in the presence of senior ministry officials, marking a significant achievement in the corporation’s history.

India Efforts to Reduce Snakebite Deaths by 2030:

This initiative aims to reduce the high mortality and morbidity rates associated with snakebites, particularly in rural and tribal areas, and aligns with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) target of halving global snakebite deaths and injuries by 2030. By mandating reporting of all snakebite cases and deaths, the move enables better surveillance, treatment, and prevention strategies, offering hope to marginalized communities disproportionately affected by this neglected public health issue.

PMGDISHA Achieves 6.39 Crore Digital Literacy:

The Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA), launched to bridge the digital literacy gap in rural India, has successfully trained 6.39 crore individuals, surpassing its target of 6 crore rural households as of March 31, 2024. This initiative, under the Digital India Programme, aimed to empower one member per rural household with essential digital skills.