Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 6th December 2024

World Drought Atlas:

According to the World Drought Atlas around 75 per cent of the population will be affected by drought by 2050

• It has been launched by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in collaboration with European Commission Joint Research Centre.
• It explains how worsening drought risks are linked to human activities and then delves into the impacts of drought in five key areas—water supply, agriculture, hydropower, inland navigation, and ecosystems.
• It features 21 case studies from around the world, underscoring that no country is immune to drought and all can better prepare for it.
• It describes concrete measures and pathways to manage, reduce, and adapt to systemic drought risks; underscores the co-benefits of these actions for different sectors; and showcases best practices from different regions.
• The measures highlighted in the Atlas fall into three categories:
  • Governance (e.g. early warning systems, microinsurance for smallholder farmers, pricing schemes for water usage);
  • Land-use management (e.g. land restoration and agroforestry);
  • Management of water supply and use (e.g. wastewater reuse, managed groundwater recharge and conservation.)

Gharcholas Saree:

Gujarat’s ‘Gharcholas’ receive Geographical Indication tag.

• Gharcholas Saree is also known as Ghatchola and Gharcholu which has finest bandhani work of Gujarat
• It is traditionally been used for years in Gujarati weddings.
• The name ‘Gharchola’ means ‘Outfit for Home’, which symbolizes a newly wedded bride joining her new home.
• It is woven on Cotton or Silk fabric in large checks of using Silk and Zari threads.
• This is further colored in Bandhani or tie & dye technique. These checkered patterns are filled with small golden motifs of peacocks, lotus, human figures, and floral designs.
• These are traditionally crafted in auspicious colours such as red, maroon, green, and yellow, which hold special significance in Hindu customs.
• A Gharchola Saree with 12 squares is known as ‘Bar Bagh’, while the one with 52 squares is known as ‘Bavan Bagh’.
• The designs often incorporate symbols of fertility and prosperity, such as the kalash and the paan.
• In recent time weavers are infusing modern designs and techniques into their gharcholas, blending tradition with contemporary appeal.
• This is the 27th GI tag that Gujarat has received.

Heat Shock Protein 70 (HSP70):

The team from JNU’s Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, identified a human protein, Hsp70, as a critical factor in the spread of diseases like malaria and Covid-19.

• Hsp70 is a type of molecular chaperone, a protein that plays a vital role in helping other proteins fold into their proper shapes and preventing misfolding.
• It plays a crucial role in regulating protein synthesis and protecting proteins from stress.
• It becomes elevated during times of cellular stress and they help to shield cells from further insults.
• It plays an important role in protein folding, preventing protein aggregation and transport of proteins across membranes.
• It is crucial for protein homeostasis and cell survival.
• The team of researchers discovered that Hsp70 interacts with the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2—the virus responsible for Covid-19—and human ACE2 receptors, which the virus uses to enter cells.
• They hypothesized that during fever, Hsp70 levels rise and help stabilise this interaction, making it easier for the virus to infect cells.
• By inhibiting Hsp70, the researchers successfully blocked viral replication in lab tests.
• The research suggests that targeting Hsp70 might help prevent drug resistance, a growing problem in treating infections.

International Social Security Association:

The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has been awarded one certificate of merit with special mention from the jury for its mobile application (Ask An Appointment – AAA+) at the Regional Social Security Forum for Asia and the Pacific (RSSF Asia-Pacific), organized by the International Social Security Association (ISSA) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

• It was founded in 1927, under the auspices of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
• It promotes excellence in social security administration through professional guidelines, expert knowledge, services and support to enable its members to develop dynamic social security systems.
• It is actually the constituent assembly of the Association and is the highest statutory body. It consists all members of the ISSA are directly represented. It meets every three years.
• It constitutes the electoral body of the Association, composed of the titular delegates of each country in which the ISSA has at least one affiliate member, with each of these countries having one titular delegate.
• It constitutes the administrative authority of the Association, composed of the President of the ISSA, the Treasurer, the Secretary General, and elected members representing the different geographical regions of the world.
• It examines the financial records of the Association and the annual report and statements presented to the Bureau by the Treasurer, and verify that all financial transactions have been carried out in conformity with the Financial Regulations.
• India is a member country of this organization
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland

SVAGRIHA Rating:

The Inland Waterways Authority of India’s Intermodal Terminal (IMT) at Kalughat in Bihar has received five-star SVAGRIHA rating from GRIHA council.

• SVAGRIHA Rating that stands for Simple Versatile Affordable GRIHA – supports the concept of green buildings and sustainability under Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA).
• It is a guidance-cum-rating system being developed for small stand-alone buildings like residences, commercial offices, motels, dispensaries, schools etc.
• It has been developed in order to help reduce the environmental impact of these small developments.
• It will be applicable only for projects which are less than 2500 sq.m. built-up area.
• The rating system has 14 criteria.
• The criteria are divided into 5 broad sub-groups namely: architecture & energy, water & waste, materials, landscape and lifestyle.
• It will be mandatory to attempt certain points under each sub-group. The total points that a project can achieve are 50.
• The rating will be done on a 1–5-star scale.
• It has been designed as a simple online tool with guiding parameters which will evaluate the performance of the project with respect to SVAGRIHA in a simple, easy to understand manner.

Homo juluensis : Study

Researchers have identified a new species of ancient humans, which they have named Homo juluensis, meaning “big head,” based partly on a very large skull found in China.

• Homo juluensis is a new species of ancient humans with distinctively large skulls.
• The species, known as “big head people,” lived 300,000 years ago and survived in small groups across eastern Asia before disappearing around 50,000 years ago.
• juluensis includes mysterious groups like the Denisovans—ancient human relatives whose histories are still being uncovered.
• Fossils attributed to juluensis, primarily consisting of facial and jaw remains, exhibit dental characteristics reminiscent of Neanderthals.
• Initial measurements indicate that their braincases were up to 30% larger than those of Homo sapiens.
• They hunted wild horses in small groups, and made stone tools and possibly processed animal hides for survival.

Nanobubbles:

The Union Minister of State for Forest, Environment, and Climate Change recently launched ‘Nano Bubble Technology’ for cleaning and purifying the water of the National Zoological Park, Delhi, to promote the health of aquatic animals.

• These are 70-120 nanometers in size, 2500 times smaller than a single grain of salt.
• They can be formed using any gas and injected into any liquid.
• They have unique physical and chemical properties and are superior to other aeration methods.
• Therefore, nanobubble technology is used in a variety of applications, including water treatment, agriculture, aquaculture, food processing, and other industrial areas.
• Large Surface Area: Nanobubbles have a high surface area to volume ratio, allowing for a greater amount of gas to be in contact with water. This, combined with their ability to remain suspended in water due to their small size and high buoyancy, results in increased gas transfer efficiency between the gas and water phases.
• Nanobubbles stay in the water for a long time.
• This unique feature enables nanobubbles to provide a homogenous distribution of oxygen throughout an entire body of water and dissolved oxygen levels are maintained for a very long time.
• Nanobubbles can efficiently deliver oxygen into water due to the very large surface area and their Brownian motion. Oxygen transfer efficiency with nanobubbles is reached to around 90%.
• Nanobubbles have a strong negative surface charge. This negative charge improves separation efficiency in the floating process.
• Due to the various inherent physical properties of nanobubbles, the ability to transfer gas to liquid is very high, and thus has the following advantages:
• Nanobubbles can effectively remove organic pollutants, bacteria, and other contaminants from water.
• Nanobubbles can penetrate surface pores and crevices, providing a more thorough cleaning that is effective against stubborn dirt and grime.
• Supplying oxygen nanobubbles to plants and aquatic organisms can improve their growth, health, and resilience.
• Nanobubbles can also enhance nutrient absorption, reduce the need for pesticides and other chemicals, and improve crop yields.
• Nanobubbles can increase the efficiency of oil and gas recovery by improving the flow of fluids and reducing the amount of chemicals needed in the process.
• Nanobubbles can help enhance the absorption of skincare products, leading to healthier skin.

PM-ABHIM:

The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare provided updates on the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

• The PM Atmanirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana (PMASBY), which has now been renamed as PM-ABHIM is one of the largest pan-India Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) with certain Central Sector Components.
• It was launched in 2021 by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare with the outlay of Rs. 64,180 Crores for the scheme period (2021-22 to 2025-26).
• It aims to strengthen India’s healthcare infrastructure systems at all levels- primary, secondary, and tertiary- and enhance pandemic preparedness.
• It supplements the National Health Mission (NHM) by addressing infrastructure gaps in public health facilities.
• The initiative includes constructing 17,788 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in rural areas, 11,024 urban Health & Wellness Centres, 3,382 Block Public Health Units, 730 District Integrated Public Health Labs, and 602 Critical Care Hospital Blocks in districts with over 5 lakh population.

UK’s Assisted Dying Bill:

The UK House of Commons voted in favour of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, allowing terminally ill patients to request assistance to end their own lives.This landmark decision reflects ongoing debates about end-of-life rights and raises questions about ethical considerations and legal frameworks.

Key Highlights of the UK’s Assisted Dying Bill:

• The Suicide Act 1961 makes it illegal to encourage or assist a suicide in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• Assisted suicide is considered an offence and can be punished with up to 14 years in prison.
• Since 2013, at least three bills have been introduced to allow assisted dying in the UK.
• A terminally ill person is defined as someone with a worsening condition that cannot be reversed by treatment and is expected to die within 6 months.
• The bill explicitly excludes individuals with disabilities or mental disorders.
• Eligibility Criteria: Only terminally ill individuals aged 18 and above with mental capacity can request assisted dying.
• Patients must be registered and residing in England or Wales for at least 12 months prior to the request.
• In the United Kingdom, each nation and crown dependency is responsible for its own health care, so Scotland and Northern Ireland would have to pass their own assisted-dying rules.

International Debt Report 2024:

World Bank’s “International Debt Report 2024” highlights a worsening debt crisis for developing nations, with 2023 marking the highest debt servicing levels in two decades, driven by rising interest rates and economic challenges.

• Also, earlier in June 2024, a UNCTAD report, “A World of Debt 2024: A Growing Burden to Global Prosperity”, highlighted a severe global debt crisis impacting the world.

Key Findings of the International Debt Report, 2024:

• The total external debt of Low- and Middle-Income countries (Developing or LMICs) reached a record USD 8.8 trillion by the end of 2023, marking an 8% increase since 2020.
• External debt for the International Development Association (IDA)-eligible countries rose by nearly 18%, reaching USD 1.1 trillion.
• IDA, established in 1960,is a World Bank Group institution providing concessional loans and grants to the world’s poorest nations with low income and poor creditworthiness.
• LMICs incurred a record USD 1.4 trillion in debt servicing costs (principal plus interest payments) in 2023, with interest payments increasing by 33% to USD 406 billion, placing immense pressure on national budgets.
• The sharp rise in interest payments has curtailed investments in vital sectors like health, education, and environmental sustainability, exacerbating developmental challenges.
• In 2023, interest rates on loans from official creditors doubled to over 4%, while rates from private creditors rose to 6%, the highest level in 15 years.
• This surge in interest rates significantly increased the financial burden on developing countries, exacerbating their debt servicing challenges.
• As global credit conditions worsened, private creditors cut lending to IDA nations, leading to USD 13 billion more in debt servicing than new loans.
• In contrast, multilateral lenders, like the World Bank, supported these economies by providing USD 51 billion more than they collected in debt payments.
• IDA-eligible countries faced severe financial strain in 2023, paying USD 96.2 billion in debt servicing, including USD 34.6 billion in record-high interest costs- 4 times higher than in 2014.
• On average, nearly 6% of their export earnings go to interest payments, with some allocating up to 38%.

Profit-Oriented Research and R&D Challenges in India:

Google DeepMind released AlphaFold 3, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool for predicting protein structures. Unlike its previous open-source versions, AlphaFold 3’s full code was withheld, preventing scientists from fully understanding its workings or replicating its results.This decision has sparked discussions about the growing influence of for-profit funding(investors seeking profit) in scientific research, creating tensions between transparency and intellectual property protection, and highlighting challenges in India’s research and development ecosystem.

Contractor Rating Mechanism:

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched a contractor rating mechanism to enhance the quality of highway maintenance.This initiative seeks to identify and address inefficiencies, improving ride quality and ensuring public safety on national highways.A performance-based rating mechanism for contractors maintaining national highways, assessing their work across defined parameters.

Kumhrar Site:

The Kumhrar site, linked to Mauryan history, is under Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) excavation to uncover the 80-pillar assembly hall, the site of Emperor Ashoka’s third Buddhist Council.First excavated between 1912–15 by D.B. Spooner.Location: Kumhrar, near Patna, Bihar.

MH-60R Seahawk Multi-Role Helicopters:

The United States has approved a $1.17-billion deal for support equipment and services for India’s MH-60R Seahawk multi-role helicopters under its Foreign Military Sales programme.It is A variant of the Black Hawk helicopter tailored for naval operations.India contracted 24 MH-60R helicopters from the US in 2020 for $2.2 billion; nine have been inducted so far.Designed for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, medical evacuation, and logistical missions.

International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD):

The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) has launched an innovative Air Quality Dashboard to address the persistent issue of hazardous air pollution across the Indo-Gangetic plain and Himalayan foothills.The dashboard offers real-time tracking, advanced forecasting, and actionable insights to mitigate the health and environmental risks associated with rising PM2.5 levels in the region.

India, Kuwait to Launch Joint Commission for Enhanced Cooperation:

India and Kuwait took a significant step to strengthen bilateral relations by deciding to establish a Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) at the level of foreign ministers. The JCC will serve as an umbrella mechanism to comprehensively review and monitor all aspects of the growing ties between the two countries. The decision was made during a meeting between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al Yahya, who is on his first official visit to India.

From Freedom Fighter to Namibia’s First Female President:

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, nicknamed “NNN,” made history by becoming Namibia’s first female president. A key figure in Namibian politics, her journey from an activist fighting against South African occupation to her leadership in post-independence Namibia has been nothing short of remarkable. Elected at the age of 72, Nandi-Ndaitwah won with more than 57% of the vote, despite facing political opposition.

Adani Defence Delivers 2nd Drishti-10 Drone to Indian Navy for Maritime Security:

Adani Defence has delivered the second Drishti-10 Starliner surveillance drone to the Indian Navy, enhancing the nation’s maritime capabilities. This marks a significant leap in India’s indigenous defence technology, underscoring the country’s focus on self-reliance. The Drishti-10 drone is a highly advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platform designed to monitor vast maritime territories, mitigate piracy, and provide over-the-horizon surveillance with unmatched endurance.

India Wins 5th Junior Hockey Asia Cup, Beats Pakistan 5-3:

The Indian men’s junior hockey team defeated arch-rivals Pakistan 5-3 to secure their fifth Junior Asia Cup title and their third consecutive championship on December 4, 2024. This victory adds another feather to India’s illustrious hockey cap, with previous title wins in 2004, 2008, 2015, and 2023. The hero of the match was Araijeet Singh Hundal, who scored four remarkable goals, leading India to a historic triumph.

Morgan Stanley Cuts India’s FY25 GDP Growth to 6.3%:

Morgan Stanley has revised India’s GDP growth projection for FY25 down to 6.3%, from its previous estimate of 6.7%. This downward revision comes after India’s GDP growth slowed to 5.4% in the July-September 2024 quarter, marking its lowest level since March 2023. This reflects a broader economic slowdown, driven by weaker private consumption and capital expenditure (capex), though the services sector showed resilience.

SEBI Fines Reliance Securities ₹9 Lakh for Rule Violations:

SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) has imposed a ₹9 lakh penalty on Reliance Securities Ltd (RSL) for breaching stock broker norms and market regulations following an inspection. The action was triggered after a review of RSL’s records and documents by SEBI, NSE, and BSE from April 2022 to December 2023.