Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 24th December 2024

Similipal Tiger Reserve : In News

A three-year-old female tiger strayed from the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha into the Bandwan area of Purulia district in West Bengal

• Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR Situated in Mayurbhanj District, in the northernmost part of Odisha.
• Surrounded by high plateaus and hills, the highest peaks are Khairiburu and Meghashini (1515 meters above sea level).
• Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1956 and included under Project Tiger in 1973.
• Recognised as part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO in 2009.
• Notably, it is the only place in the world home to melanistic tigers (black tigers).

Rann Utsav:

The Indian Prime Minister has invited the public to experience the Rann Utsav, which continues till March 2025.

• Rann Utsav is an annual cultural festival organized by the Gujarat Tourism Department in the Great Rann of Kutch, India’s largest salt desert.
• It celebrates the cultural and artistic heritage of Kutch, attracting domestic and international tourists.
• The Rann of Kutch is a vast area of salt marshes, straddling the border between India and Pakistan.
• It is primarily located in the Kutch district of Gujarat, with a smaller portion in the Sindh province of Pakistan.
• Great Rann of Kutch: The larger portion, stretching east to west.
• Bordered by the Thar Desert to the north and Kutch Hills to the south.
• Little Rann of Kutch: Located southeast of the Great Rann, extending southwards to the Gulf of Kutch.
• Geographical features: It lies close to sea level, connected to the Arabian Sea via the Kori Creek (west) and the Gulf of Kutch (east).
• It is the only large flooded grassland zone in the Indomalayan realm, a biogeographic region extending across South and Southeast Asia

SpaDeX Mission:

ISRO is preparing to launch a record 24 scientific experiments on board the POEM satellite under the Spadex Mission.

• The Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) is a groundbreaking mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) aimed at developing autonomous space docking technology.
• The mission involves PSLV-C60 as the launch vehicle to demonstrate in-space docking technology using two small spacecraft: Chaser (SDX01) and Target (SDX02).
• This technology is a critical milestone for future lunar missions, the development of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), and other advanced space endeavours.
• Launch vehicle: PSLV-C60.
• Orbit: 470 km circular orbit at a 55-degree inclination.
• Target and Chaser spacecraft will separate with an initial velocity difference to achieve 10-20 km inter-satellite separation.
• Propulsion systems will be used to align both spacecraft into the same orbit, achieving Far Rendezvous.
• After docking, the mission will demonstrate electrical power transfer before undocking for payload operations.

Aerogel:

A group of researchers from Pune have developed a novel hybrid aerogel capable of easily extracting gold from electronic waste.

• Aerogels are among the lightest solid materials.
• They are created by combining a polymer with a solvent to form a gel, and then removing the liquid from the gel and replacing it with air.
• They are extremely porous and very low in density and they offer advantages like adjustable surface chemistry
• They are also known as ‘solid air’ or ‘frozen smoke’ are excellent adsorbents (a solid substance used to remove contaminants) and are incredibly lightweight solids composed mostly of air.
• Aerogels are most preferred in environment and oil spill clean up, for insulation purposes
• Researchers have designed and synthesised aerogel: the sponge-like absorbents, light in weight and porous synthetic materials for this purpose.
• The aerogel’s unique structural composition was treated with iron nitrate salts and maintained at room temperature for about two to five minutes.

RBI Report on State Finances 2024-25:

The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) report, State Finances – A Study of Budgets of 2024-25, highlighted the progress made by state governments in fiscal consolidation, alongside significant challenges such as high debt levels and rising subsidies.

Key Highlights of the Report:

• The average tax buoyancy (responsiveness of tax revenue to changes in the economic growth rate) increased to 1.4 (during 2021-25) from 0.86 (during 2013 to 2020), reflecting improved efficiency in tax collection.
• Higher tax revenues have enabled states to allocate greater funds for asset creation, including highways and bridges.
• States have consistently improved the quality of expenditure, with capital expenditure rising from 2.4% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2021-22 to 2.8% in 2023-24, and it is budgeted at 3.1% of GDP in 2024-25.
• This indicates a sustained focus on improving the quality of expenditure with growth-enhancing investments.
• States’ gross fiscal deficit is budgeted at 3.2% of GDP for 2024-25, a marginal increase from 2023-24 (2.9%).
• States’ revenue expenditure is projected to increase to Rs 47.5 trillion in FY25, which accounts for 14.6% of GDP as against Rs 39.9 trillion or 13.5% of GDP FY24.
• States’ dependence on market borrowings has surged, accounting for 79% of the gross fiscal deficit (GFD) in FY25.
• Gross market borrowings of states and Union Territories increased by 32.8% to Rs 10.07 trillion in FY 2023-24.
• States’ debt-to-GDP ratio (relative measure of debt compared to economic output) decreased from 31.0% of GDP in March 2021 to 28.5% in March 2024, but remained higher than the pre-pandemic level of 25.3% in March 2019.
• State debt levels exceed the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management committee’s recommended debt-to-GDP ratio of 60% by 2023 (with 40% for the Central Government and 20% for State Governments).
• States like Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Tripura have forecast high fiscal deficits, while larger economies like Gujarat and Maharashtra have lower deficits as a share of GDP.
• Electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs) continue to strain State finances, with accumulated losses reaching Rs 6.5 lakh crore by 2022-23 (2.4% of India’s GDP).

Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer:

The Prime Minister of India was awarded the Wisam Mubarak al-Kabeer, or the Order of Mubarak the Great, by Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait.

• Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer is the highest national award of Kuwait.
• It is conferred by the Kuwaiti government on Heads of State, Sovereigns of foreign countries, and on members of foreign royal families as a sign of friendship and goodwill.
• The award was instituted in 1974, in the memory of Mubarak Al Sabah also known as Mubarak al-Kabeer or Mubarak the Great — who ruled Kuwait from 1896 to 1915.
• Under his reign, Kuwait got more autonomy from the Ottoman Empire. In 1899, Mubarak signed a deal with Britain to guard his kingdom from Turkey, effectively becoming a British protectorate.
• Mubarak is known for playing a major role in shaping the future of Kuwait.
• The design of the award changed in 1992, after Kuwait was liberated from Iraq in the year before.

Speed gun:

Speed guns are widely used by law enforcement officials to monitor traffic speed and in various other industries.

• Speed gun is a device to measure the speed of a moving object without having to be in contact with the object.
• To achieve this, the device bounces electromagnetic radiation of a specific frequency off the object, capturing the reflection and using the Doppler effect to infer the object’s speed.
• Speed guns are electronic, and use complex circuitry to emit the radiation used to make the measurement.
• The speed gun was originally developed during World War II for military use and applies the effect using radio waves rather than sound waves.
• A speed gun has a radio transmitter and a receiver.
• The transmitter emits radio waves, which the person holding the speed gun can direct at an object.
• The receiver collects the waves reflected by the object back in the direction of the speed gun.
• If the object is approaching the speed gun, the frequency of the returning waves will be slightly higher than that of the transmitted waves.
• A simple computer in the gun can deduce the object’s speed based on this difference.

National Farmers’ Day:

National Farmers’ Day (Kisan Diwas) was celebrated on 23rd December 2024 to honor farmers and commemorate the birth anniversary of Sri Chaudhary Charan Singh.Known as the ‘Kisan Leader,’ his birth anniversary is celebrated as ‘Kisan Diwas’ since 2001 for his contributions to Indian agriculture and rural development.Born in 1902 at Noorpur, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, he was an Indian politician and a freedom fighter who served as the 5th Prime Minister of India (1979-80). He also served as Deputy Prime Minister (January-July 1979) and Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh twice.

72nd plenary of the North Eastern Council:

72nd plenary of the North Eastern Council (NEC) in Agartala, Tripura. The Union Home Minister stressed the need for police forces in the Northeastern (NE) States to shift focus from insurgency control to ensuring citizens’ constitutional rights, reflecting a new phase of governance in the region.The NEC, established in 1971 (by an Act of Parliament), is the nodal agency for the economic and social development of the NE Region, comprising Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura.It aims to address developmental challenges and unlock the region’s potential.

Elephant Parade in Thrissur Pooram:

The Supreme Court stayed a series of restrictions imposed by the Kerala high court on the use of elephants in Thrissur Pooram.Earlier the Kerala High Court mandated a 3-meter gap between elephants, 8 meters from the public or percussion displays, and a 100-meter buffer from areas using fireworks.Thrissur Pooram is an annual Hindu temple festival held in Thrissur, Kerala which is a symbolic meeting of deities of 10 temples.Celebrated in Medam (April-May) in Kerala, it is known as the Mother of all Poorams (temple festival).It was started by Raja Rama Varma, famously known as Sakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of Cochin (1790–1805), with the participation of 10 different temples.Vibrantly decked elephants are a major highlight of Thrissur Pooram.

Green Deposits:

Green deposits in India face sluggish adoption due to pricing issues, low public engagement, and limited interest from private banks.These are interest-bearing deposits earmarked for funding green projects, such as solar energy, clean transportation, and sustainable water management.In June 2023, the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) introduced a framework for green deposits to promote sustainable investments.

United Nations Internal Justice Council (IJC):

Former Supreme Court Judge Justice Madan B Lokur has been appointed as the Chairperson of the United Nations Internal Justice Council (IJC) for a four-year term.United Nations Internal Justice Council (IJC) Created by the UN General Assembly as part of the reformed internal justice system to uphold accountability, independence, and professionalism. Functions Operates under the UN Secretary-General with oversight from the General Assembly.Aim is to strengthen the administration of justice within the UN by ensuring a fair and transparent system for dispute resolution among staff and management.

Starlink Satellite : Concern

The recovery of a Starlink satellite device in Manipur has raised concerns about potential misuse by militants, despite Starlink not being authorized to operate in India.Designed by: SpaceX (owned by Elon Musk).Purpose is to provide high-speed, low-latency internet globally, especially in remote and underserved areas.

Bio-Bitumen-based National Highway:

Union Minister inaugurated India’s first bio-bitumen-based National Highway stretch on NH-44, Nagpur-Mansar Bypass.Bio-Bitumen is A sustainable bio-based binder derived from renewable sources like crop stubble, vegetable oils, algae, or lignin.
It is Primarily extracted from lignocellulosic biomass or refined from residues of crude oil distillation.

Wall Street Journal as one of the top global destinations for 2025:

Madhya Pradesh has earned global recognition as one of the Wall Street Journal’s “Go-To Global Destinations for 2025,” showcasing its rich heritage, unique wildlife, and natural beauty. This prestigious acknowledgment builds upon the state’s ongoing efforts to establish itself as a premier travel destination. With iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Khajuraho, Panna, and Bandhavgarh, as well as an array of vibrant cultural experiences, Madhya Pradesh is solidifying its position on the global tourism map.

Russian tennis player Daniil Savelev Suspension:

Russian Tennis Player, Daniil Savelev has been handed a two-year suspension for violating doping regulations. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced that Savelev tested positive for the prohibited substance meldonium in July 2024.

Adani Group Acquires 85.8% Stake in Air Works:

The Adani Group has announced the acquisition of an 85.8% stake in Air Works, India’s largest private-sector Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) company, at an enterprise value of Rs 400 crore. This move solidifies Adani’s position in the defence and civil aviation MRO sectors, marking a strategic expansion into an integrated aviation services ecosystem.

India Squad For Champions Trophy 2025:

The upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 marks the ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy, featuring eight teams competing in a round-robin format. Hosted by Pakistan, often referred to as the “cornered tigers,” the tournament is scheduled to run from 19 February to 9 March, with 10 March reserved as a contingency day for the final. Following their triumph in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, India is set to face Pakistan in this championship.

Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia as the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court:

The Centre has officially notified the appointment of Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia as the new Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court. Justice Sandhawalia, the senior-most puisne Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, has been appointed following a recommendation by the Supreme Court Collegium.

Indians in Forbes’ 2024 Power Women List:

Forbes has unveiled its 21st annual list of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women, a prestigious ranking that celebrates influential figures across business, entertainment, politics, philanthropy, and policymaking. This year, three Indian women have made their mark on the global stage with remarkable achievements in their respective fields. They include Nirmala Sitharaman, Roshni Nadar Malhotra, and Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, whose contributions to their industries have earned them prominent spots on the list.

India Ranks 49th in Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2024:

India has made remarkable progress in the 2024 Network Readiness Index (NRI), jumping 11 places from 60th in 2023 to 49th, with an improved score of 53.63. This achievement reflects the country’s strengthened commitment to advancing digital infrastructure and technology adoption.

Saraswathi Award for Leadership:

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar was honored with the Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi National Eminence Award for Public Leadership by the South Indian Education Society (SIES) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to India’s foreign policy and leadership on the global stage. In his acceptance speech, Jaishankar emphasized India’s growing assertiveness on the international platform, underlining the importance of confidence in the nation’s capabilities.