Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 10th December 2024

New Species Of Damselfish:

A small team of ichthyologists recently discovered a new species of damselfish living off the shores of the Maldives.

• Damselfish are commonly found in warm, tropical regions, but they can also be seen in subtropical zones.
• They are mostly marine, found in the Atlantic, India and Pacific oceans, but can be found in brackish or freshwater habitats.
• There are about 250 species of damselfish in the family Pomacentridae, a group which also includes clownfish.
• They come in a range of colors and patterns, from the aptly named four striped damselfish to the vibrant blue damselfish.
• Across all species, there are a few things they have in common: their bodies are deeper than they are wide, and they have forked tails. Plus, they don’t get too big—the largest damselfish, the Garibaldi, grows only to about a foot long.
• They are lively and quick, and are usually strongly territorial and aggressive.
• Some feed mainly on plant matter or small animals suspended in the water; others are omnivorous.
• Most damselfishes live along reefs, but certain species, the anemone fishes, are noted for living among the stinging tentacles of sea anemones.
• Some species of damselfish are “algae farmers,” meaning they actually nibble away at the habitat to cultivate algae growth. They bite unwanted algae to remove it, allowing other, more desirable algae species to grow. This is part of a balanced coral reef ecosystem
• However, some damselfish can eat live coral tissue in their quest to create an algae garden. Too many damselfish can stress out an already stre

Khorlochhu Hydropower Project:

Tata Power has commenced construction on the Rs 6,900 crore Khorlochhu Hydropower Project in Bhutan, with commissioning expected by 2029.

• Khorlochhu Hydropower Project situated on the Kholongchhu River in Eastern Bhutan’s Trashiyangtse district, the project seeks to meet Bhutan’s rising electricity demands and aid India’s renewable energy transition.
• It is the first-ever energy project to be developed through a joint venture (JV) partnership between India and Bhutan.
• It will be constructed by Khorlochhu Hydro Power Limited (KHPL), a strategic partnership between Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) and India’s Tata Power.
• The 600 MW project is expected to be commissioned in September 2029.
• The project will feature a 95m-high concrete gravity dam measuring 165m in length and 6m in width. The dam will create a 1.4 km long reservoir with 2.9 million cubic metres (MCM) of gross storage capacity.
• The electricity generated from the Kholongchhu hydroelectric project will be transmitted to the NEWNE grids of Bhutan and India via 400 kV transmission lines.
• The project is estimated to cost £488.14 m (INR 46.32bn), which is being financed under a debt-equity ratio of 70:30. The Government of India is providing DGPC’s share of equity.

Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 2024:

The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development for 2024 will be conferred on former Chilean president and prominent human rights voice Michelle Bachelet, a statement issued by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust said recently.

• The Indira Gandhi Peace Prize, also known as the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development, was instituted in the memory of the former prime minister by a trust in her name in 1986.
• It consists of a monetary award of 25 lakh rupees along with a citation.
• The award is given to individuals or organisations who work towards ensuring international peace and development, ensuring that scientific discoveries are used to further the scope of freedom and better humanity, and creating a new international economic order.

Little Gull : Spotted

Little gull—a bird native to the Eurasian regio—was spotted for the first time in NCR

• The Little Gull (hydrocele minutes) is the smallest species of gull (seabird) in the world, belonging to the family Laridae.
• It breeds in northern Europe and across the Palearctic.
• It is migratory, wintering on coasts in western Europe, the Mediterranean, and (in small numbers) the northeast United States.
• Habitat: Seacoasts, bays, estuaries, rivers, lakes, ponds, marshes, and flooded fields.
• This is the smallest gull species, with a length of 25–30 cm, a wingspan of 61–78 cm, and a mass of 68–162 g.
• It is pale grey in breeding plumage with a black hood, dark underwings, and often a pinkish flush on the breast.
• In winter, the head goes white apart from a darker cap and eye-spot.
• The bill is thin and black, and the legs are dark red. The flight on rounded wings is somewhat tern-like.
• Young birds have black markings on the head and upper parts, and a “W” pattern across the wings. They take three years to reach maturity.
• IUCN Red List: Least Concern

Viksit Bharat 2047:

India aims for developed nation status by 2047 under the Viksit Bharat vision. However, challenges like slower growth, high taxes, and declining foreign investments risk hindering progress.

Targets of India for Viksit Bharat 2047:

• Economic Growth: Achieve a sustained GDP growth rate of 7-8% annually.
• Social Equity: Eradicate poverty, ensure universal healthcare, and provide quality education.
• Global Competitiveness: Position India among the top three global economies.
• Environmental Sustainability: Attain net-zero emissions by 2070 while enhancing renewable energy adoption.
• Industrial Modernization: Boost manufacturing to contribute 25% to GDP under Make in India.

De-dollarisation:

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das clarified that India is not taking steps toward de-dollarisation despite discussions within BRICS about a common currency to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar.

• The process of reducing reliance on the U.S. dollar in international trade and reserves to mitigate risks associated with currency volatility.
• Countries like China and Russia have initiated measures such as bilateral trade in local currencies and increasing gold reserves.
• India has signed agreements with select nations for bilateral trade in local currencies, reducing transaction costs and exchange rate volatility.
• Increased focus on gold and other currencies in reserves.

Laysan albatross:

Wisdom, a 74-year-old Laysan albatross, has set a world record as the oldest wild bird, continuing to contribute to her species’ survival.

• Laysan Albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis) is a pelagic bird found predominantly in the North Pacific Ocean.
• Found Primarily in the North Pacific Ocean, with 99.7% of its population nesting in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, particularly at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge.
• Medium-sized seabird resembling a gull, with long, slender wings for sustained flight.
• Feeds on squid, fish eggs, and crustaceans far from land.
• Mates for life, laying a single egg per year with shared incubation duties.
• Notable lifespan, often exceeding 60 years, with some individuals like Wisdom reaching 74 years.
• IUCN Status: Near Threatened

INS Tushil

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will commission INS Tushil, a stealth missile frigate under Project 1135.6, at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad.

• INS Tushil is part of the upgraded Krivak III class of Project 1135.6 frigates. It is the seventh ship in this series.
• Built at: Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad, Russia.
• Signed in October 2016 between the Indian Navy, JSC Rosoboronexport, and the Government of India.
• Specification: A length of 125 metres and a displacement of 3,900 tonnes.
• Stealth Design: Incorporates radar-absorbing materials and an advanced hull design to reduce detectability.
• Speed: Capable of speeds exceeding 30 knots.
• Weapon Systems: Equipped with guided missiles, advanced radars, and weapon systems for enhanced anti-surface and anti-air warfare.
• Helicopter Deck: Supports operations for naval helicopters, enhancing its multi-role capabilities.
• Combat Versatility: Focused on anti-surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine warfare.

Nafithromycin:

India has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) with the development of Nafithromycin, the country’s first indigenous macrolide antibiotic.

• Developed by: Wockhardt Ltd., with support from the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) under the Biotech Industry Program.
• Aim: To combat Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP) and address infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria.
• Reduce the global and national burden of antimicrobial resistance.
• 10 times more effective than existing treatments like azithromycin.
• Offers a three-day treatment regimen, significantly reducing recovery time.
• Effective against typical and atypical drug-resistant bacteria, with superior safety and minimal side effects.

20th Manama Dialogue:

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attended the 20th Manama Dialogue in Bahrain, highlighting India’s diplomatic efforts in addressing challenges across the Middle East, from Gaza to Syria.

• Manama Dialogue initiated in 2004 in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
• Includes participants from Middle East, North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
• Organized by: The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in collaboration with Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Aim is To provide a platform for national leaders, policymakers, and strategic thinkers to address pressing regional security issues.
• Facilitate policy discussions on geopolitics, security trends, and conflict resolution.
• 2024 Theme: “Middle East Leadership in Shaping Regional Prosperity and Security”

40th Charter Day of SAARC:

On 8th December 2024, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) marked its 40th Charter Day. This day is commemorated annually to honor the establishment of SAARC.Regional cooperation in South Asia was first discussed at the Asian Relations Conference (1947), the Baguio Conference (1950), and the Colombo Powers Conference (1954).

Ninetyeast Ridge:

A recent Nature Communications study reveals that the Ninetyeast Ridge, the Earth’s longest straight underwater mountain chain, was formed by a moving hotspot, challenging the earlier belief that it originated from a stationary hotspot.This study provides new insights into Earth’s tectonic processes, and age estimates of Ninetyeast Ridge.The Ninetyeast Ridge, a 5,000 km-long underwater mountain chain in the Indian Ocean, was formed by the Kerguelen hotspot(volcanic hotspot located at the Kerguelen Plateau in the Southern Indian Ocean), which moved several hundred kilometers within the Earth’s mantle, rather than being formed by a stationary hotspot as previously believed.

Rise in Forex Reserves:

India’s foreign exchange rose to USD 658.09 billion in November 2024 after eight weeks of decline, following the peak of USD 704.89 billion in September 2024.The movement in forex reserves is intrinsically linked to India’s merchandise trade deficit and service exports.

World Soil Day 2024:

World Soil Day is held annually on 5th December focussing on healthy soil and advocating for the sustainable management of soil resources.Theme: Caring for soils: measure, monitor, manage.It was adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2013, with the first World Soil Day observed on 5th December 2014.

Turner Prize 2024:

Jasleen Kaur, an Indian-origin Scottish artist, won the prestigious Turner Prize 2024 for her exhibition “Alter Altar”, showcasing a blend of personal, political, and spiritual themes. Alter Altar featured everyday objects like a doily-covered car and family photos, blending cultural symbols to explore the Sikh concept of Miri Piri (political-spiritual balance), offering new perspectives on coexistence through art.

Sanjay Malhotra Appointed as New RBI Governor:

Sanjay Malhotra, a seasoned bureaucrat and Revenue Secretary, has been appointed as the 26th Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). A 1990-batch IAS officer from the Rajasthan cadre, he succeeds Shaktikanta Das, whose tenure ends on 10th December 2024. Malhotra brings over three decades of diverse experience spanning finance, taxation, power, IT, and mining.

Google DeepMind has introduced a groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI) model called ‘GenCast’:

Google DeepMind has introduced a groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI) model called ‘GenCast’ that is capable of providing highly accurate weather forecasts, surpassing the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) ENS, the leading operational weather forecast system. The AI model, which can predict not only day-to-day weather but also track extreme weather events like deadly storms, has been hailed as a significant step forward in weather forecasting.