Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 14th December 2024

D. Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary : In News

A stakeholders’ coordination meeting aimed at reintroducing rhinoceroses to the D. Ering Wildlife Sanctuary (DEWS) in East Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh was convened recently.

• D. Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the East Siang district ofArunachal Pradesh.
• It was established in 1976.
• It was previously known as Lali Wildlife Sanctuary after the declaration of Lali Reserve Forest as a sanctuary. It was renamed as D`Ering in 1986.
• It has a tropical climate and receives rainfall from both north-east and south-west monsoons.
• The Siang River flows through the sanctuary, which is one of the major rivers in Arunachal Pradesh.

Dark Eagle Anti-Missile System:

The United States of America has developed a new anti-missile system called Dark Eagle and is nearing operational readiness after a successful test flight.

• Dark Eagle Anti-Missile System is a long-range hypersonic anti-missile system developed by the United States of America, which is capable of intercepting enemy missiles in mid-air.
• It is capable of stopping ballistic, cruise, hypersonic missiles and warheads.
• It has an operational range estimated at over 2,775 kilometers (1,724 miles), enabling it to strike targets deep within adversary territory.
• The system’s ballistic missile features two stages, one of which includes a hypersonic glide warhead (C-HGB) capable of reaching extreme speeds of Mach 17, making interception particularly difficult.
• With a C-HGB warhead capable of reaching speeds between 3000 and 3700 meters per second at altitudes below 50 km, this missile is designed to challenge and potentially surpass the capabilities of Russia’s S-300V4, S-400, and S-500 air defense systems.

Malayan Night Heron : Spotted

The Malayan Night Heron, a migratory bird from Southeast Asia, has been officially recorded in Madurai for the first time, near the Alagar Kovil hills

• Malayan Night Heron is also known as the Malaysian night heron and tiger bittern.
• It is a medium-sized and nocturnal
• It is identified by its rufous neck, barred chestnut back, black cap with crest and white tipped primaries.
• It occurs in dense subtropical forests ranging from the low wetlands, where it uses streams, marshes, and swamps, to moderate elevations, where it uses evergreen forests, secondary scrub and reservoirs as its
• It is mainly found in India, South East Asia, Philippines and the East Indies. It is native to Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia and migrates to India during winter.
• It primarily traverses northern Tamil Nadu and is typically seen in Kerala and Karnataka.
• It feeds particularly on earthworks and beetles.
• Conservation status
  • IUCN: Least concern

Shortfin mako shark:

A young shortfin mako shark species has been tagged for the first time in the Mediterranean Sea by researchers from the United States of America.

• Shortfin mako shark is a large predatory and highly migratory shark species that lives in the open ocean.
• The shortfin mako’s common name is derived from the Maori term mako, which translated means “shark”.
• It is known for its incredible leaping ability and can be observed jumping to extreme heights (out of the water) when hunting.
• It is hydrodynamically efficient with a pointed snout, triangular dorsal fin with a large and a crescent-shaped caudal (tail) fin.
• It is a yolk-sac ovoviviparous shark giving birth to live young. Developing embryos feed on unfertilized eggs (oophagy) within the uterus during the 15- to 18-month gestation period.
• It feeds mainly upon cephalopods and bony fish including mackerels and tunas.
• It is found across all temperate and tropical ocean waters.
• It can also be found near the coast where the continental shelf is short.
• Conservation status
  • IUCN: Critically endangered
  • CITES: Appendix II

Athlete Biological Passport:

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has granted approval for the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) as an Athlete Passport Management Unit (APMU) to manage the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP).

• Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) is an advanced anti-doping tool that monitors an athlete’s biological markers over time.
• By analyzing variations in parameters such as blood and steroid profiles, the ABP helps to ensure fair play in sports and to protect clean athletes.
• It works against doping through enhanced target testing and analysis, investigations, deterrence and as indirect evidence for use of prohibited methods or substances.
• It can be used to conduct targeted, conventional anti-doping tests on athletes with abnormal profiles.
• It can also be used as corroborating evidence of doping during an anti-doping rule violation case.

GenCast Model:

According to a research paper published in the journal Nature by Google DeepMind researchers, a new machine-learning weather prediction model called GenCast can outperform the best traditional forecasting systems in at least some situations.

• GenCast Model is a new machine-learning weather prediction model.
• It uses a diffusion model approach similar to Artificial Intelligence (AI) image generators.
• The system generates multiple forecasts to capture the complex behaviour of the atmosphere.
• It does so with a fraction of the time and computing resources required for traditional approaches.
• It is a part of Google’s growing suite of next-generation AI-based weather models.
• It can predict the weather for 15 days in just 8 minutes. The traditional way of predicting weather usually takes hours.
• The AI-powered program was trained on four decades of historical data through 2018, taken from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts’ (ECMWF) historical archives.
• The GenCast model makes predictions of several variables such as temperature, pressure, humidity and wind speed at the surface and at 13 different heights, on a grid that divides the world up into 0.25-degree regions of latitude and longitude.

Manganese Contamination:

A study by the Mahavir Cancer Sansthan in Patna revealed significant manganese (Mn) contamination in water as a contributing factor to rising cancer cases in Bihar’s Gangetic region.Manganese is a naturally occurring metal found in oxides, carbonates, and silicates. It is essential in trace amounts but toxic in higher concentrations.

Desert Knight Exercise:

India, France, and the UAE have initiated the Desert Knight air combat exercise over the Arabian Sea.

• A trilateral air combat exercise designed to enhance military interoperability and combat readiness among the participating nations.
• Nations Involved: India, France, and the UAE.
• Location: Conducted over the Arabian Sea, approximately 350-400 km southwest of Karachi.
• Aim of the Exercise:
  • Strengthen trilateral defence cooperation.
  • Enhance combat skills and interoperability among air forces.

World Chess Championship 2024:

The World Chess Championship 2024 marked a historic moment in chess history as 18-year-old Indian Grandmaster D. Gukesh claimed the title, becoming the youngest World Chess Champion ever.World Chess Championship 2024 held At: Singapore, from November 25 to December 12, 2024. Played Between: Reigning champion Ding Liren (China) and challenger D. Gukesh (India).
Gukesh is also only the 18th world champion in history, which dates back to 1886.

India-Australia CECA:

India and Australia have “outlined a path forward for the early conclusion” of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) between both nations. During a three-day stocktake meeting between the two nations, discussions covered several critical areas of the CECA, including trade in goods, services, mobility, agri-tech cooperation, and more.

Gene Therapy Treatment for Haemophilia:

Indian scientists have developed a novel gene therapy for haemophilia A, offering a one-time treatment to replace frequent clotting factor injections.In a trial at Christian Medical College, Vellore, five patients have been free of bleeding episodes for over a year.Haemophilia A is a genetic disorder caused by insufficient Factor VIII, preventing proper blood clotting. India, with 40,000 to 100,000 affected patients, has the second-largest haemophilia population globally.

CM Arvind Kejriwal introduced the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Samman Yojana:

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has unveiled the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Samman Yojana, promising to increase financial assistance for eligible women from ₹1,000 to ₹2,100 per month post-elections. This initiative, aimed at empowering women financially, was announced at an event with a large gathering of AAP’s women supporters. The scheme, which mirrors successful programs in other states like Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, will begin registration on December 13, 2024, with a focus on women aged 18 and above who do not pay taxes or receive government pension.

India’s industrial output grew 3.5% in October 2024:

India’s industrial output growth slowed to 3.5% in October 2024, a sharp drop from 11.9% recorded in the same month last year. The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) for October 2024 stood at 149.9, up from 144.9 in October 2023. The slowdown was driven by weaker performance in the mining, electricity, and manufacturing sectors, as per data released by the Ministry of Statistics.

President Droupadi Murmu awarded Nepal’s Army Chief:

President Droupadi Murmu, honored Nepal’s Army Chief, General Ashok Raj Sigdel, with the prestigious honorary rank of ‘General of the Indian Army.’ This event, held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, reflects the enduring tradition of mutual respect and deep military ties between India and Nepal, which dates back to 1950.

Joy Bangla’ as the national slogan:

The Supreme Court of Bangladesh has stayed a High Court verdict that declared ‘Joy Bangla’ as the country’s national slogan. The slogan, popularized by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman during Bangladesh’s liberation movement, had been officially recognized as the national slogan under the previous government led by his daughter, Sheikh Hasina. The Supreme Court’s decision comes amidst political shifts and changes in government policy, highlighting the complexities surrounding national identity and governance in Bangladesh.

India’s retail inflation eased to 5.48% in November:

India’s retail inflation moderated to 5.48% in November from 6.21% in October, marking a significant decline driven by easing food prices, particularly vegetables. This shift brought inflation back within the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) target range, raising expectations of a potential rate cut in early 2025.

Universal Health Coverage Day 2024:

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day is observed annually on December 12, serving as a rallying point for the global movement advocating for health for all. Initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO), UHC aims to provide access to quality health services for everyone without causing financial hardship.

Madhya Pradesh’s Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary has been declared India’s 57th tiger reserve.:

India has expanded its tiger conservation footprint with the declaration of Madhya Pradesh’s Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary as its 57th tiger reserve. The creation of these reserves highlights India’s commitment to protecting its tiger population, which constitutes over 70% of the global wild tiger population.

Cow Milk Production:

Cow protection and welfare have always been a key focus in Uttar Pradesh, especially under the leadership of Yogi Adityanath, both as the Chief Minister and the Peethadheeshwar of Gorakshapeeth. The state has seen significant efforts to promote indigenous cow breeds, enhance milk production, and provide welfare to cows.

Bharat Antariksha Station:

India is poised to reach new heights in space exploration with ambitious plans to establish the Bharat Antariksha Station by 2035 and land an Indian astronaut on the Moon by 2040. Union Minister of State for Science & Technology and Space, Jitendra Singh, unveiled this roadmap during a press conference, emphasizing the country’s quest for self-reliance and leadership in global science and technology.

22nd Divya Kala Mela:

The 22nd edition of the Divya Kala Mela, inaugurated by Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar at India Gate, New Delhi, from December 12-22, 2024, celebrates the talent and entrepreneurial spirit of Divyang artisans and entrepreneurs. This event is a powerful initiative by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) and the National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC).

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $500 million loan to support India’s renewable energy and climate-resilient infrastructure:

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $500 million loan to support India’s efforts to expand renewable energy and build climate-resilient infrastructure. The loan is part of ADB’s ongoing commitment to help India meet its sustainable development goals, particularly in the areas of renewable energy and infrastructure that can withstand the effects of climate change.

Dalai Lama’s Secret to Happiness:

Dr. Dinesh Shahra, a renowned philanthropist, author, and thought leader, launched his book, Dalai Lama’s Secret to Happiness, at the prestigious Library of Tibetan Works & Archives (LTWA) in Dharamshala. This event highlighted the significance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s teachings and their impact on promoting peace and happiness.