Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 13th December 2024

Hyperloop test track:

IIT Madras has completed a 410-meter Hyperloop test track, marking a significant milestone in India’s journey toward futuristic transport systems.

• Hyperloop is a high-speed transportation system in which pods, functioning as pressurised vehicles, travel at incredible speeds through low-pressure tubes.
• The Hyperloop concept was originally popularised by Elon Musk in 2012.
• These trains operate within vacuum-sealed tubes, significantly reducing friction and allowing for unparalleled travel speed and energy efficiency.
• Hyperloop pods are designed to reach speeds of up to 1,100 kmph, with an operational cruising speed of around 360 kmph.
• Key components include:
  • Low-Pressure Tubes: Sealed to minimise air resistance.
  • Magnetic Levitation (Maglev): Pods “float” on magnets, eliminating friction.
  • Linear Electric Motors: Propels the pod smoothly and efficiently.
• These features combine to deliver unparalleled speed and efficiency, with zero direct emissions—making Hyperloop the ultimate in green transit.
• India’s hyperloop project is a joint initiative of Indian Railways, IIT-Madras’ Avishkar Hyperloop team and TuTr (incubated startup).
• This innovative system is seen as a promising solution for addressing the growing demands for efficient and sustainable transportation.

Indian Rock Python : Declined

Indian Rock Python species is believed to have declined across Tamil Nadu, except in the Moyar Valley, where the pythons seem to be thriving.

• Indian Rock Python is a large, nonvenomous python species.
• It is known by the common names Black-tailed python and Asian rock python.
• Indian pythons are usually whitish or yellowish in color with the blotched patterns varying from tan to dark brown shades.
• Conservation Status
  • IUCN: Near Threatened
  • CITES: Appendix II
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
• Threats: Habitat distraction and illegal trade

Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024 : Passed

The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was passed recently in the Lok Sabha, despite disruptions.

• Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024 All the provisions in the erstwhile colonial-era Indian Railway Board Act, 1905, are proposed to be incorporated in the Railways Act, 1989, through this Bill.
• It is intended to simplify the legal framework and reduce the need to refer to two laws.
• The Bill also proposes to amend the Railways Act, 1989, to provide statutory backing to the Railway Board, which has functioned without such a sanction since it began functioning.
• The statutory powers seek to enhance the functioning and independence of the Railway Board.
• It also authorises the Union government to decide the composition of the Railway Board.
• This includes the number of members, their terms of service, and their qualifications and experience.
• The bill proposes to establish an independent regulator to oversee tariffs, safety, and the participation of the private sector in the Railways.
• The bill also proposes to improve operational efficiencies and decentralize powers, granting greater autonomy to railway zones.
• The amendment is expected to speed up the approval process for train services that will help meet pending demands from various regions.
• The bill will allow the government to fast-track infrastructure and superfast train operations.

Willow Chip : Google

Google has announced a significant advancement in quantum computing as it unveiled its next-generation chip called ‘Willow’.

• Willow Chip is a new state-of-the-art quantum computing chip developed by Google.
• The components of the chip include single and two-qubit gates, qubit reset, and readout that have been engineered and integrated to ensure that there is no lag between any two components as that may adversely impact system performance.
• It was able to solve a complex mathematical problem in just five minutes — a task that would take classical computers longer than the history of the universe.
• It performed a standard benchmark computation in under five minutes that would take one of today’s fastest supercomputers 10 septillion (that is, 1025) years.
• It operates using superconducting transmon qubits—tiny electrical circuits exhibiting quantum behaviour at extremely low temperatures.
• These circuits are engineered to function like artificial atoms in a quantum state.

Yuva Sahakar Scheme:

The Minister of Cooperation informed the Lok Sabha about Yuva Sahakar Scheme.

• Yuva Sahakar – Cooperative Enterprise Support and Innovation Scheme” aims to encourage newly formed cooperative societies with new and/or innovative ideas.
• The scheme encourages young entrepreneur Cooperative Societies which are in operation for a minimum of 3 months.
• The loan provided under the scheme is a long-term loan (up to 5 years) and as an incentive, NCDC provides 2% interest subvention on its applicable rate of interest on term loan for the project activities.
• Further, the loan component under the scheme can also be dovetailed with subsidy, as applicable and available from other Government of India schemes. NCDC funding is project based.
• It is being implemented by National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) across the country.

QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025

The Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025, in its third edition, evaluates global institutions’ progress in tackling environmental and social challenges through education and research.

• These rankings assess universities’ contributions to sustainability, focusing on three pivotal pillars: Environmental Impact, Social Impact, and Governance. 78 Indian universities are featured in the 2025 rankings.
• Top Performers in India:
  • IIT Delhi: Ranked 1st in India and 171st globally.
  • IIT Kharagpur: Ranked 2nd in India and 202nd globally.
  • IIT Bombay: Ranked 3rd in India and 234th globally.
  • IIT Kanpur: Ranked 4th in India and 245th globally.
  • IIT Madras: Ranked 5th in India and 277th globally

World Malaria Report 2024:

Malaria cases in India dropped 69%, from 6.4 million in 2017 to 2 million in 2023. Deaths fell by 68%, from 11,100 to 3,500, according to the World Malaria Report 2024.

• World Malaria Report 2024 is an annual report released by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
• It serves as a vital tool to assess global progress and gaps in the fight against malaria.

Highlights of the 2024 Report:

• Globally, the report noted an estimated 263 million malaria cases and 597,000 deaths in 2023, representing an increase of 11 million cases compared to 2022, with deaths remaining nearly the same.
• Africa continues to bear the brunt of the disease, accounting for 94 percent of global cases and 95 percent of malaria deaths in 2023, with children under 5 accounting for 76% of mortality.
• Four countries — Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Niger and Tanzania — contributed over half of the region’s deaths.
• In India, the report highlighted that the country officially exited the High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) group in 2024 due to significant reductions in malaria incidence and mortality in high-endemic states.
• The number of estimated malaria cases in India decreased from 6.4 million in 2017 to 2 million in 2023, marking a 69% drop.
• Similarly, malaria deaths fell from 11,100 to 3,500 over the same period, a 68% reduction.
• Despite these advances, India accounted for half of all malaria cases in the WHO South-East Asia Region in 2023, which saw a reduction of 82.4% in cases, from 22.8 million in 2000 to 4 million in 2023.
• The region, home to a quarter of the world’s population, represented 5% of global malaria cases in 2023.

Imaging X-Ray Polarimetry Explorer : NASA

NASA’s Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) has revealed the structures in a newly discovered X-ray binary system designated as Swift J1727.8-1613, or Swift J1727 in short.

• Imaging X-Ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) is a NASA Small Explorer Mission in collaboration with the Italian Space Agency (ASI).
• IXPE was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on December 9, 2021.
• IXPE is NASA’s first mission to study the polarization of X-rays from many different types of celestial objects.
• Objects such as black holes can heat surrounding gases to more than a million degrees. The high-energy X-ray radiation from this gas can be polarized – vibrating in a particular direction.
• The observatory features three identical telescopes, each consisting of a mirror module assembly with a polarization-sensitive imaging x-ray detector at the focus.
• IXPE measurements will provide new dimensions for probing a wide range of cosmic X-ray sources – including active galactic nuclei (AGN) and microquasars, pulsars and pulsar wind nebulae, magnetars, accreting X-ray binaries, supernova remnants, and the Galactic center.

Birth Anniversary of C. Rajagopalachari:

The Prime Minister of India, paid tribute to Shri Chakravarti Rajagopalachari (popularly known as Rajaji) on his birth anniversary (10th December), remembering his invaluable contributions to India’s freedom struggle, governance, and social empowerment. C. Rajagopalachari was born on 10th December 1878 in Salem, Madras Province (now Tamil Nadu). Became a Bachelor of Law in 1899 and began his legal practice in Salem.

SFBs to Offer UPI-Based Credit Lines:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to permit Small Finance Banks (SFBs) to extend pre-sanctioned credit (loan) lines through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI).It aims to deepen financial inclusion and enhance formal credit, particularly for ‘new to credit’ customers.

Ghost Guns and 3D Printing:

Ghost guns are untraceable firearms assembled at home, often using kits or 3D-printed parts.These weapons lack serial numbers, making them difficult for law enforcement to track.Printing Enable Ghost Guns: In the context of firearms, 3D printers can produce components like receivers, barrels, or grips using materials such as plastic or metal.

RBI vs Centre:

The RBI-government relationship has often seen conflicts over autonomy and policy. As Shaktikanta Das’ tenure as RBI Governor ends, disputes over monetary policy echo past tensions.The tenure of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das concluded in December 2024, characterized by some friction with the government towards the end of his second term.The disagreement between the RBI and the government arose from the central bank’s decision to refrain from cutting policy rates, despite the economic slowdown and the government’s appeal for steps to boost GDP growth.

Subramania Bharati:

Prime Minister released the complete works of the eminent Tamil poet and freedom fighter Subramania Bharati.Subramania Bharati Born on December 11, 1882. Location: Ettayapuram, Tamil Nadu.

Directorate of Revenue Intelligence:

The Smuggling in India Report 2023-24 by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) sheds light on evolving narcotics smuggling routes and the major drug hubs impacting India.Major Narcotics Hubs:The Death Crescent (Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan) as a primary heroin source. The Death Triangle (Myanmar, Laos, Thailand) for synthetic drugs and heroin, affecting northeastern states like Manipur and Mizoram.

Dommaraju Gukesh’s rise to becoming the youngest chess world champion:

Gukesh Shatters Records to Become Youngest World ChampionAt the age of 18, Gukesh defeated reigning champion Ding Liren in a grueling three-week-long contest in Singapore, surpassing Garry Kasparov’s record as the youngest chess world champion in history

Ang Lee to Receive DGA Lifetime Achievement Award:

Ang Lee, the celebrated Taiwanese American filmmaker, has been named the recipient of the Directors Guild of America (DGA) 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award. This prestigious honor recognizes Lee’s remarkable contributions to cinema, spanning over three decades. Known for his versatility and innovative storytelling, Lee’s work cuts across a wide range of genres.

Coca-Cola has sold a 40% stake in Hindustan Coca-Cola Holdings (HCCH) to Jubilant Bhartia Group:

Coca-Cola has announced a strategic partnership with Jubilant Bhartia Group, selling a 40% stake in Hindustan Coca-Cola Holdings (HCCH) for ₹12,500 crore. This move is in line with Coca-Cola’s global refranchising strategy and strengthens its presence in India, its fifth-largest market.

Arunachal CM Launches New Logo for Eaglenest Bird Festival:

The 4th edition of the Eaglenest Bird Festival, a celebrated event in Arunachal Pradesh, is set to be held from January 17 to 19, 2025, at Khellong and Thongre village in West Kameng District. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Pema Khandu, unveiled the new logo for the festival, marking its prominence on the state’s calendar of events.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has revised India’s GDP growth forecast:

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has downgraded India’s GDP growth forecast for FY25 to 6.5% from 7% and for FY26 to 7% from 7.2%, citing weaker-than-expected industrial output, subdued public capital spending, and tight monetary policies.The slowdown in Q2FY25, where GDP growth fell to 5.4% compared to 6.7% in the previous quarter, has impacted these projections. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) also revised its growth forecast for FY25 to 6.6%.

Khelo India Winter Games 2025:

The Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) have emerged as a premier event in India’s sporting calendar, promoting winter sports and identifying talent for international competitions. The 2025 edition promises to continue this tradition with thrilling ice and snow events hosted in the Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir.

Indian Heritage Conservation Projects Shine at UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards 2024:

Two Indian heritage conservation projects—the Abathsahayeswarar Temple Conservation Project in Tamil Nadu and the BJPCI Conservation Project in Maharashtra—have garnered global recognition by winning the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation 2024.

Extension of the Smart Cities Mission:

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has launched a new scheme extending the Smart City Mission, with an allocation of Rs 8,000 crore as a performance-based challenge fund for incubating 8 new cities.