Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 17th January 2025

Kokborok Language:

The Twipra Student Federation (TSF), a wing of the North East Students Organisation (NESO), staged a protest in Agartala recently, demanding the adoption of the Roman script for the Kokborok language.

• Kokborok is a language of the Borok people, geographically known as Tripuris.
• It is one of the State’s official languages of Tripura, notified on January 19, 1979.
• It is a Sino-Tibetan language and can be traced back to at least the 1st century AD when the historical record of Tripuri kings started to be written down in a book called the Raj Ratnakar.
• So far, the term Kokborok is known to first occur as ‘Kok-boro’ in 1897/98 in an early primer on the language, Daulat Ahmed ‘Kokboroma.
• In 1900, Thakur Radhamohan Debbarma spelt ‘Kokborok’ in a published grammar of the language.
• At the time, various British Political Agents, District Officers, Sub- Division Officers were known as linguists – they called this language Tipperh, Tipura, or Tipra Language.
• The word Kokborok is derived from the word ‘Kok’, meaning ‘verbal’, and ‘Borok’, meaning ‘people’ or ‘human’.
• According to the 2011 Census report, the number of Kokborok-speaking people is 8,80,537, which is 23.97% of the total population of Tripura.

Sydney Funnel-Web Spider:

Australian scientists have discovered a bigger, more venomous species of the Sydney funnel-web spider.

• Scientists have named this 9-centimetre (3.54 inches) long species as Atrax christenseni.
• The new funnel-web species has earned the nickname “Big Boy” and was first discovered in the early 2000s near Newcastle, 170 km (105 miles) north of Sydney.
• It is a shiny, dark brown to black spiders with finger-like spinnerets (silk-spinning organs) at the end of their abdomen.
• Its venom glands are a lot larger and its fangs are a lot longer.
• Only the male Sydney funnel-web, which carries a much stronger venom, is responsible for human deaths.
• They are found in bushy suburban areas, open and closed sclerophyll forests and woodlands, often on south or east-facing slopes or in shady gullies.
• Funnel-web spiders:
  • These are one of the most dangerous arachnids in the world.
  • There are 36 described species of Australian funnel-web spiders and they are currently placed in three genera: Hadronyche, Atrax and Illawarra.
  • Their venoms are filled with 40 different toxic proteins.

Central Suspect Registry : In News

Since the launch of the online ‘Central suspect registry’,the Centre has declined six lakh fraudulent transactions and saved Rs 1,800 crore.

• Central Suspect Registry is an initiative to strengthen cyberfraud risk management by creating a registry of identifiers.
• It was created based on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP).
• It contains data of 1.4 million cybercriminals linked to financial fraud and various cyber-crimes.
• It has been developed by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), and can be accessed by states and UTs as well as central investigation and intelligence agencies.
• The registry was developed with collaboration from the banks/financial institutions and using it as a central-level database with consolidated data on cybercrime suspects.

Neuralink : Brain-Computer Interface Company

Elon Musk announced that a 3rd person has received an implant from his brain-computer interface company, Neuralink, to connect the nervous system to machines.

• Neuralink plans to expand its trials with the goal of implanting the experimental devices in 20 to 30 more people in 2025.
• Brain-Computer Interface (BCI): BCI is a technology that allows direct communication between the brain and external devices, such as computers or prosthetics, bypassing traditional neuromuscular pathways like nerves and muscles.
• BCIs use sensors to detect brain activity, translating it into commands that allow individuals to control devices or interact with the world using their thoughts.
• Brain interfacing for conditions like epilepsy, Parkinson’s, and neurodegenerative diseases.
• Enabling control of prosthetics and wheelchairs through thought.
• Restoring communication for paralyzed individuals.
• Enhancing VR/AR experiences using thoughts.
• It is different from brainoware that uses brain organoids and microelectrodes to create an “organoid neural network (ONN)” integrating living brain tissue into computing.

Electrokinetic Mining : Eco-Friendly Method For Extracting Rare Earth Elements

A research team developed electrokinetic mining (EKM), an eco-friendly method for extracting rare earth elements.

• Electrokinetic Mining is a novel mining technique which uses Electrokinetic i.e the application of a direct or alternating electric field to accelerate the migration of movable species, such as metals, water, and particles.
• Currently, heavy rare earth elements (HREE) are dominantly mined from ion-adsorption rare earth deposits (IADs) discovered in South China, and the regional mining produces and supports 95% of the global demand of HREEs.
• However, the conventional mining applies excessive usage of ammonium-salt-based leaching agents to recover HREEs from IADs, such technique exhibits low efficiency and devastating environmental impact on the local eco-system.
• It reduces leaching agent usage by 80%, and energy consumption by 60%.
• Its recovery rate exceeds 95% which marks a breakthrough in sustainable mining.
• It can simultaneously help reduce the environmental impacts and improve the recovery rate of REEs.

Blood Money:

The concept of “blood money,” or diya, has gained attention following the case of Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse sentenced to death in Yemen for murder.

• Blood money, or diya, is a provision under Islamic Sharia law that allows a perpetrator to compensate the victim or their family in cases of unintentional murder, culpable homicide, or even intentional murder if the victim’s family chooses to forgo retribution (qisas).
• The aim is not to place a price on life but to alleviate the family’s loss and suffering.
• Blood money is often negotiated between the perpetrator and the victim’s family, with judicial oversight ensuring fairness.
• Factors like gender, religion, and nationality of the victim influence the compensation in many Islamic countries.
• Even when blood money is accepted, the state may impose separate punitive measures, such as imprisonment or fines, to maintain public order.

Gangasagar Mela: Being Organized

The annual Gangasagar Mela is being organised in West Bengal and the state government has introduced several initiatives to enhance the Gangasagar Mela experience, including Bandhan Initiative: Pilgrims receive a certificate in three languages e-Anushandhan: System for accessing mela facilities .e-Parichay: QR code-enabled identity bands to prevent missing persons.

• The state has been advocating for “national mela” status for the Gangasagar Mela for several years.
• Gangasagar Mela is an annual religious festival held on Sagar Island, West Bengal, at the confluence of the Ganga and Bay of Bengal.
• The Ganga river, originating from Gangotri, completes its journey and merges with the Bay of Bengal.
• The festival, which coincides with Makar Sankranti, involves rituals like taking a holy dip in the Ganga, offering “Arghya” to the Sun God, and performing “Deepdan” (lighting lamps) to seek liberation and spiritual upliftment.

Hydroclimate Whiplash : Reason Of Wildfire In Los Angeles

According to a study by climate attribution group ClimaMeter, three wildfires that have devastated large parts of the Los Angeles city is mainly due to a ‘hydroclimate whiplash’.

• Hydroclimate Whiplash is rare meteorological condition wherein an extremely wet season is succeeded by an extremely dry season.
• It’s kind of this paradox that as the atmosphere gets warmer, both the amount of water vapour in the atmosphere can increase, and the deficit of water vapour in the atmosphere can also increase exponentially.
• Consequently, as the atmosphere warms, it is able to hold much more water for a longer period before it is eventually released as precipitation.
• It is this relationship between global warming and the atmosphere which leads to the extended periods of dry spells and more intense rainfall when it eventually occurs.

Fast Track Immigration:

The Union Home Minister will inaugurate the ‘Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Program’ (FTI- TTP) on 16 January 2025 from Ahmedabad.

• Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Program is an initiative to speed up the Immigration clearance process for eligible persons from the following categories: Indian Nationals and Foreign Nationals holding OCI Cards.
• It was first launched at Delhi’s IGI Airport in 2024.
• It has been introduced with the purpose of facilitating international mobility with faster, smoother and secure immigration clearances.
• To enroll in the scheme, the applicant has to register online on the portal with details and documents.
• One can sign up after successfully authenticating their identity through mobile OTP and email verification.
• One needs to ensure that the Passport is valid for at least 6 months at the time of applying for FTI-TTP.
• Applicants found eligible, will need to provide Biometrics (fingerprint and face image) in addition to the required information as per the data fields provided in the application form.
• Biometrics of the registered applicants will be captured at the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or at the time of passage through the airport. The registered passenger has to scan the boarding pass issued by the airlines at the e-gates and then scan the passport.
• The FTI registration will be valid for a maximum of five years or until the validity of the passport, whichever comes first.
• It will be implemented at 21 major airports across the country. In the first phase, in addition to Delhi, this facility is being introduced at seven major airports—Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Ahmedabad.
• The FTI-TTP is implemented through an online portal with the Bureau of Immigration being the nodal agency.
• Once Indian and foreign citizens with OCI cards enroll and become members of the Fast Track Immigration -Trusted Traveller Programme, their immigration clearance will be faster, easier, and more secure.

Lokpal Foundation Day:

On 16th January 2025, social activist Anna Hazare, Justice (retd) N. Santosh Hegde, and Attorney-General R. Venkataramani will be felicitated on the occasion of Lokpal Foundation Day.

• The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, which empowers the anti-corruption body to investigate allegations of corruption, came into effect on 16th January 2014.
• Lokpal is an independent statutory body established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, to combat corruption in public offices and ensure accountability among public functionaries.
• They perform the function of an “ombudsman” and inquire into allegations of corruption against certain public functionaries and for related matters.
• The Act also provided for the establishment of Lokayukta for States.
• The concept of the Lokpal/Lokayukta originates from the Ombudsman system in Scandinavian countries.

Data Embassies:

India is in advanced talks to set up UAE’s first data embassy in India, with the first potential data embassy expected in Andhra Pradesh.It will enable nations to store a copy of their sovereign data while retaining control over it.It will ensure data continuity in cases of natural disasters or geopolitical unrest.India plans to create special strategic zones for data centres that will house sovereign data storage for multiple countries.They will operate like consular divisions, with the embassy managing privacy, access, and data handling, while India hosts the infrastructure.

Nine Years of Start Up India:

On January 16, 2025, India marks nine years of Startup India, a transformative journey that began in 2016. Designated as National Startup Day, this occasion celebrates the nation’s strides in fostering a robust and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.Startup India is a flagship initiative of the Government of India, launched on January 16, 2016, to promote a robust entrepreneurial culture. Its aim is to simplify processes, provide funding support, and foster innovation to help startups grow and create employment opportunities.

Entity List:

The United States recently removed three Indian nuclear entities Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Centre (IGCAR), and Indian Rare Earths (IRE) from its restrictive Entity List.The Entity List is published by the U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) and includes foreign entities—businesses, institutions, or organizations—subject to stringent licensing requirements for the export, re-export, or transfer of specified items. Entities are listed if they are suspected of engaging in activities against U.S. national security or foreign policy interests.

Nautor Land:

The Union Home Ministry is deliberating on a proposal to regularize nautor land in Ladakh, allowing locals to claim ownership over government-owned wastelands they have cultivated or tended to for years.Nautor refers to barren or wasteland owned by the government that can be allotted to individuals for cultivation or other productive use, subject to approval by competent authorities.Purpose is to Regularizing nautor land grants legal ownership to locals who have utilized such land over the years.

Sri Sri Radha Madanmohanji Temple of ISKCON in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sri Sri Radha Madanmohanji Temple of ISKCON in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, on January 15, 2025. Built over 12 years at a cost of ₹170 crore, this temple is Asia’s second-largest ISKCON temple. It stands as a fusion of spirituality and knowledge, featuring various facilities that reflect ISKCON’s mission to serve society. The inauguration was attended by prominent figures, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Exercise Devil Strike:

The Indian Armed Forces are set to conduct a major military exercise, Exercise Devil Strike, from January 16 to 19, 2025. The exercise, which is being organized under the leadership of the Indian Army, aims to enhance the combat readiness of the forces by simulating high-intensity combat operations. This exercise is expected to feature advanced strategies and innovative combat techniques to strengthen national security and ensure effective defense against external threats.

PM Modi Commissions INS Surat, Nilgiri, and Vagsheer:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned three significant naval assets—INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vagsheer—at the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai. This event underscores India’s commitment to enhancing its maritime capabilities and achieving self-reliance in defense production.

Smriti Mandhana, the Indian opener, set multiple records during the 3rd ODI against Ireland:

Indian opener Smriti Mandhana broke multiple records in the 3rd ODI against Ireland Women at the Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot. Leading the team in the absence of Harmanpreet Kaur, Mandhana scored the fastest century by an Indian in women’s ODIs, showcasing her dominance.

India is on track to surpass Japan as the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2026:

India is projected to overtake Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2026, according to the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI). This optimistic outlook is underpinned by robust GDP growth forecasts and strategic policy recommendations aimed at enhancing economic resilience and fostering sustainable development.

8th Pay Commission Implementation:

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the constitution of the 8th Central Pay Commission, which will evaluate and recommend revised salary structures and allowances for central government employees and pensioners. This early initiative ensures readiness for implementing the recommendations by January 1, 2026.

Odisha Government Announces ₹20,000 Pension for Emergency Detainees:

The Odisha state government has announced a significant welfare measure for individuals who were jailed during the Emergency period from 1975 to 1977. As of January 1, 2025, all surviving detainees from Odisha will receive a monthly pension of ₹20,000, along with medical coverage and other benefits. This move is part of the government’s effort to honor and support those who were imprisoned under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) during the Emergency declared by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi

Pixxel and Digantara Launch Satellites for Earth and Space Monitoring:

India’s private space sector, two Indian start-ups, Pixxel and Digantara, launched their satellites aboard a SpaceX rocket. These pioneering missions are aimed at addressing pressing global challenges such as agriculture, defence, and space sustainability. Pixxel’s launch introduces a constellation of satellites for advanced Earth observation, while Digantara’s SCOT satellite focuses on real-time tracking of space objects.

India-Spain Declare 2026 as ‘Dual Year’ for Culture, Tourism, and AI:

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced that India and Spain will commemorate 2026 as a ‘dual year’ focusing on culture, tourism, and advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). This initiative aims to strengthen bilateral ties and promote mutual understanding between the two nations.