Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 25th December 2024

Ethiopian Wolf:

Ethiopian wolf as a rare example of a nectar-feeding carnivore, potentially contributing to the pollination of plants.

• The Ethiopian wolf is a specialized rodent hunter in Afroalpine ecosystems, a unique African high-altitude region.
• These ecosystems, located mainly in the Ethiopian Highlands, exist at altitudes of 3,200 meters above sea level and are characterized by cold and harsh climates.
• The wolf is about the size of a large dog, with a reddish coat, white throat and chest markings, and a bushy black tail.
• With fewer than 500 individuals remaining, the Ethiopian wolf is Africa’s most endangered carnivore.
• It resides in isolated “sky islands”, high-altitude regions above tropical forests, surrounded by drastically different lowland environments.
• It feeds on the nectar of the red and yellow Ethiopian red hot poker flower, a plant that produces sweet nectar attracting multiple pollinators.
• As the wolf moves between flowers, pollen dusts its muzzle, potentially aiding in pollination.
• Researchers observed wolves spending significant time in flower fields, with one wolf visiting 30 flower heads in 1.5 hours.
• This behavior indicates that the wolf actively seeks nectar, a rare trait for large carnivores.

Farmers Producer Organisations:

The Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) recently analyzed challenges faced by India’s Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and suggested necessary reforms.

• An FPO is a type of Producer Organisation (PO) formed by farmers.
• It operates as an organization of the producers, by the producers, and for the producers.
• The Small Farmers’ Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) plays a vital role in promoting FPOs across India.
• A PO represents producers of various goods, including agricultural products, non-farm items, and artisan goods.
• It can adopt legal forms such as producer companies, cooperative societies, or other entities that allow members to share profits and benefits.
• The ownership of an FPO lies entirely with its member farmers. It operates on the principle of shared decision-making and benefits.
• FPOs can be registered under the following:
  • Companies Act, 1956 or Companies Act, 2013.
  • Societies Registration Act, 1860.
  • Public Trusts Act, 1882.
• These legal frameworks ensure transparency, accountability, and effective management of FPOs.

Kashmiri Papier-mache:

343 years after its extinction, Kashmir artisans give wings to the dodo in papier mache.

• Kashmiri Papier-mâché is a traditional handicraft of the Kashmir Valley, introduced in the 14th century by Muslim saint Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani from Persia.
• This craft is known for its intricate designs and use of paper pulp to create colorful, richly decorated items.
• Made primarily from paper pulp. Items are handcrafted in homes and workshops, mainly in Srinagar and other parts of the Kashmir Valley
• Vases, bowls, cups (with or without metal rims), boxes, trays, and lamp bases.
• Recently, products like papier-mâché models of extinct birds (e.g., dodos) have also gained attention.
• The designs feature floral motifs, forest prints, and other intricate patterns symbolizing cultural and ecological themes.
• While the products have a significant domestic market, they are also highly demanded internationally in Europe, Mauritius, and other regions.

Ocean Anoxic Event 1a:

A recent study, published in Science Advances, has provided new insights into the timing and duration of Ocean Anoxic Event 1a (OAE 1a).

• By studying prehistoric rocks and fossils from Mount Ashibetsu, Japan, researchers have pinpointed the causes and timeline of the OAE 1a that caused widespread oxygen depletion (anoxic) in Earth’s oceans.
• OAE 1a refers to a period during the Cretaceous Period (145 million years ago and ended 66 million years ago) when Earth’s oceans became depleted of oxygen, causing a significant disruption in marine life.
• The event is believed to have been triggered by massive volcanic eruptions that released significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂), leading to global warming and oxygen depletion in the oceans, which subsequently resulted in the formation of anoxic marine basins.
• CO2 in seawater forms carbonic acid, dissolving sea creatures’ shells and lowering oxygen levels.
• This oxygen depletion led to the extinction of marine species, particularly plankton, and caused the formation of organic carbon-rich layers known as black shales.

Sagar Island : In News

Sagar Island in West Bengal where the iconic Gangasagar Mela takes place every January is getting impacted by climate change.

• Sagar Island is also known as Ganga Sagar or Sagardwip is located in the Ganges delta, lying on the continental shelf of Bay of Bengal
• It consists of 43 villages. Sagar and Mahisani Islands are separated by River Muriganga Batala.
• This island along with the Mahisani and Ghoramara islands are classified under the sand group category.
• This Island is a religious place for Hindus, where pilgrims celebrate Makar Sankranti festival in honour of the Sun.
• The Kapil Muni temple on the island is a popular pilgrim centre.
• Kapila or Maharishi Kapila is a Vedic sage traditionally considered to be the original proponent of the Samkhya systemof Indian philosophy.

Youth Co:Lab:

The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with Citi Foundation, have officially launched the seventh edition of the Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge for 2024-2025.

• Youth Co:Lab was co-created in 2017 by UNDP and Citi Foundation, aims to empower and invest in youth to accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through leadership, social innovation and entrepreneurship.
• In India, Youth Co: Lab was launched in 2019 in collaboration with Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog.
• As of the end of 2024, Youth Co:Lab has conducted six national theme-specific youth social innovation and entrepreneurship dialogues in India through this collaboration.
• This year, the Youth Co: Lab National Innovation Challenge 2024-2025, held in collaboration with AssisTech Foundation (ATF).
• It will focus on empowering young entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs with disabilities innovating for solutions that “Enhance access to opportunities and well-being of Persons with Disabilities”, across the following sub-categories:
  • Inclusive and Accessible Assistive Technology (AT), Inclusive Educational Technology and Skilling Solutions and Accessible and Inclusive Care Models

55th GST Council Meeting:

The Finance Minister chaired the 55th Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council meeting.

• GST council decided to raise the rate of tax to 18% from 12% on all used EV sales, just as in case of non-electric vehicles.
• GST will apply only to the margin value (difference between purchase and selling price, adjusted for depreciation if claimed) in case of business sales. No GST applies to individual-to-individual sales.
• No GST applies to penal charges by banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) for loan term violations.
• Payment aggregators handling payments of less than Rs 2,000 will be eligible for an exemption.
• This exemption does not extend to payment gateways or other fintech services unrelated to fund settlement.
• GST council did not agree on bringing ATF under the ambit of GST because states refused to accept it.
• States see ATF as part of the crude petroleum diesel basket, saying that it alone cannot be taken out.
• 5 products i.e., crude oil, petrol, diesel, ATF and natural gas were kept out of purview of GST.
• The central government levies excise duty on them and states levy VAT.
• Black pepper and raisins supplied directly by farmers will be exempt from GST.
• Gene therapy is fully exempt from GST, and Integrated GST exemption on surface-to-air missiles is extended.
• Reduced compensation cess rate to 0.1% on supplies to merchant exporters.
• This Cess is collected on the supply of select goods and or services to compensate the states for any revenue loss on account of implementation of GST.
• GST Council clarified (no new tax imposition) that caramelized popcorn is taxed at 18% GST. Ready-to-eat popcorn with salt and spices attracts 5% GST if not pre-packaged and labeled, and 12% if pre-packaged and labeled.
• Caramelised popcorn is classified as sugar confectionery, and attracts 18% GST while salted popcorn is a namkeen and subject to 5% GST.

Conservation of Cephalopods:

California and Washington have approved bans on octopus farming. Hawaii is considering similar action against raising octopus, a member of Cephalopods, demand for food.Cephalopods are a class of ocean-dwelling intelligent invertebrates that includes cuttlefish, squid and octopus.

Northern giant hornet:

The Northern giant hornet, nicknamed the murder hornet, has been successfully eradicated in the US.The Northern giant hornet (Vespa Mandarinia) is the largest hornet (wasp) in the world, measuring up to 2 inches long.A wasp is a type of insect belonging to the order Hymenoptera, which also includes bees and ants.It has a large, solid yellow or orange head with black eyes.

Undersea Cable Network:

India is set to launch two new cable systems in the coming months namely India Asia Xpress (IAX) and India Europe Xpress (IEX).IAX connects Chennai and Mumbai with Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia in Asia while IEX connects them with France, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Djibouti.They are high-capacity optic fibre cables laid on the ocean floor that play a crucial role in providing global connectivity for high-speed data exchange.

China dominating the critical minerals sector:

In 2023, the Ministry of Mines identified 30 critical minerals vital for India’s economic growth and security. The report noted complete import dependency for 10 minerals, with China dominating the critical minerals sector.Critical minerals are those minerals which are essential for economic development and national security, the lack of availability of these minerals or even concentration of existence, extraction or processing of these minerals in few geographical locations may lead to supply chain vulnerability and disruption.

Didi Ki Library Initiative:

The “Didi ki Library” initiative, launched in Bihar under the World Bank-supported JEEViKA project, aims to bridge educational gaps in rural areas.A network of community libraries established in rural Bihar to support education and career development for underprivileged children and youth.

Cirus Reactor:

The Cirus reactor, operational since 1960, was pivotal in India’s nuclear program, driving scientific innovation and enabling the 1974 “Smiling Buddha” nuclear test.Uses of Cirus Reactor is isotopes for medicine, agriculture, and industry,Advanced condensed matter studies.

No-Detention Policy:

The Central Government has recently amended the Right to Education Act, 2009, scrapping the no-detention policy in schools governed by it.It includs Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, and other institutions under the Ministry of Defence and Tribal Affairs.No-Detention Policy introduced under Section 16 of the Right to Education Act, 2009 to prohibit the detention of students until Class 8. Aimed to ensure minimum education levels for all children by promoting automatic promotion.

India Clinches Women’s U19 T20 Asia Cup title:

India clinched the inaugural U10 Women’s Asia cup T20 title by defeating Bangladesh by 41 runs in the final held at the Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur on December 22, 2024. The victory was powered by a stellar half century from Gongadi Trisha and an impressive bowling performance, highlighting India’s dominance in the tournament.

Govt Infuses ₹500 Cr in IFCI to Boost Financial Health:

The Indian government has decided to infuse ₹500 crore into the state-owned Industrial Finance Corporation of India (IFCI) to strengthen its financial health ahead of the company’s restructuring. This infusion will likely increase the government’s stake in IFCI beyond its current holding of 71.72% as of September 2024. The decision was approved as part of the first Supplementary Demand for Grants for 2024-25 in the Lok Sabha, with funds reallocated from savings in the capital section, ensuring no additional cash outflow.

Kejriwal Launches Dr Ambedkar Scholarship for Dalit Students Abroad:

Arvind Kejriwal, the AAP supremo, unveiled the Dr Ambedkar Samman Scholarship, a scheme designed to fund Dalit students from Delhi who wish to pursue higher education in top foreign universities. The announcement, made in the run-up to the Delhi Assembly elections, aims to honor Babasaheb Ambedkar and serves as a strong rebuttal to the BJP’s alleged disrespect toward him.

Govt Forms Committee to Assess IAF’s Capability Development Amid Rising Threats:

The Indian Government has formed a high-level committee under Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh to assess the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) capability development. This comes amid growing concerns over China’s expanding air power and Pakistan’s strengthening air force. The committee will evaluate the IAF’s requirements, focusing on indigenous design, development, and acquisition projects. It is expected to submit its report in the next two to three months.

Trump Appoints Sriram Krishnan as Senior AI Policy Advisor:

US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Indian-American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author Sriram Krishnan as Senior Policy Advisor for Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Krishnan, who has a notable background in tech, will work closely with David Sacks, who has been named the White House AI & Crypto Czar.

India to Host ISSF Junior World Cup 2025:

India has been announced as the host of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Junior World Cup Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun 2025. This prestigious event highlights India’s growing reputation as a global hub for shooting sports. It marks the ninth top-level shooting championship hosted by the country over the past decade and adds another accolade to the National Rifle Association of India’s (NRAI) commendable track record.

SEBI Bans 9 Entities, Impounds ₹21 Crore in Front-Running Case:

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued an interim order banning Sachin Bakul Dagli, an equity dealer with PNB MetLife, and eight other entities from the securities market for their involvement in a front-running scheme. This fraudulent activity, operational for over three years, generated illegal gains of ₹21.16 crore by misusing non-public trade information.