Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 16th December 2024

Tata Institute of Social Sciences:

A permanent Vice-Chancellor is set to be appointed in Mumbai-based Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), with the selection committee slated to conduct in-person interviews with 10 shortlisted candidates

• Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) is a multi-campus, public-funded research university in Mumbai, India.
• TISS is Asia’s oldest institute for professional social work education.
• It was founded in 1936 in the then-Bombay Presidency of British India as the Sir Dorabji Tata Graduate School of Social Work by the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust.
• In 1944, it was renamed the Tata Institute of Social Sciences.
• In 1964, TISS was declared Deemed to be a University under Section 3 of the University Grants Commission Act (UGC), 1956.
• TISS’s academic programs focus on the Social Sciences and offer doctoral degrees in Management and Labour Studies, Disaster Studies, Development Studies, Education, Gender Studies, Health Studies, Law, Media and Cultural Studies, Public Policy, Rural Development and Social Work.
• TISS has had a focus on field activities, including responding to disasters such as the Partition of India, the Bhopal disaster and Uttarakhand floods.

Sultanpur National Park : In News

The Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of Forest and Wildlife recently asked the district administration to submit a report on illegal construction around the Sultanpur National Park and their status to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of India (MoEF & CC).

• Sultanpur National Park is located in the Gurgaon district of Haryana,46 km from Delhi.
• Formerly known as Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, it spans 1.42 sq.km., consisting primarily of marshy lakes and floodplains.
• It includes a core area of 1.21 sq. km containing the main Sultanpur Lake/Jheel.
• The Sultanpur Jheel is a seasonal freshwater wetland with fluctuating water levels throughout the year.
• This shallow lake is mostly fed by waters from River Yamuna’s Gurgaon canal and the overflowing waters of the neighboring agricultural lands.
• It was recognised as a Ramsar site, a wetland of international importance, in 2021. It has been identified as an Important Bird Area by Bird Life International.
• The vegetation is characterized by tropical and dry deciduous types such as grasses, dhok, khair, tendu, jamun, neem, berberis, and species of Acacia.

Durgadi Fort:

After 48 years, the Kalyan civil court recently dismissed a suit filed by a Muslim trust claiming ownership of an idgah (prayer space) inside the historical Durgadi Fort in Kalyan and ruled in favour of the state government.

• Durgadi Fort is a fort located in Kalyan, near Mumbai in Maharashtra.
• Perched on the banks of the Ulhas River, the fort provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the city of Kalyan.
• Kalyan is the busiest junction as well as a key location from ancient times.
• This was an important international harbour developed during the Satavahana
• Durgadi Fort was built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and marks the initiation of the Maratha Navy.
• Shivaji Maharaj captured Kalyan and Bhiwandi from Adil Shah on 24th October 1654.
• He built a fort near the creek as a support to Kalyan and used it as a dock to manufacture ships.
• The fort is named after Goddess Durga, and a temple dedicated to the goddess is located within the premises.
• The fort holds significant historical value, as it was an important military stronghold during various periods in Indian history.

Malwa Canal Project:

Nearly 1.30 lakh trees and plants are likely to be felled for the construction of the proposed 150-km-long Malwa Canal, a flagship project of Punjab Chief Minister said recently.

• Malwa Canal Project is a planned irrigation and water management project in Punjab, India.
• It is the first of its kind to be constructed in Punjab since independence.
• Estimated to cost Rs 2,300 crore, the canal will originate from the Harike headworks on the Sutlej in Ferozepur district.
• It will tail off at Warring Khera village in Muktsar district, close to the border with Haryana, and will flow parallel to the Sirhind Feeder and Rajasthan Feeder canals, to the latter’s east.
• The canal will be 150 km long, 50 feet wide, and 12.6 feet deep.
• It will carry 2,000 cusecs of water (A cusec is flow equivalent to 1 cubic foot per second.)
• It is designed to cater to the irrigation needs of nearly 2 lakh acres in southern Punjab, running parallel to the left bank of the Rajasthan Feeder Canal.

CE20 Cryogenic Engine:

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully carried out the sea level hot test of its CE20 cryogenic engine.

• CE20 Cryogenic engine s the indigenous engine developed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre of ISRO.
• It is powering the upper stage of the LVM3 launch vehicle and has been qualified to operate at a thrust level of 19 tonnes.
• This engine has successfully powered the upper stage of six LVM3 missions so far.
• Recently, the engine was qualified for the Gaganyaan mission with a thrust level of 20 tonnes and also to an uprated thrust level of 22 tonnes for the future C32 stage, towards enhancing the payload capability of the LVM3 launch vehicle.
• It features an innovative Nozzle Protection System that overcomes previous complexities in engine testing.
• Key achievements of the test include the successful testing of an engine with a nozzle area ratio of 100, the evaluation of a multi-element igniter by activating only the first element, and the confirmation of normal engine and facility performance.
• This test marks a significant step in ISRO’s indigenous engine development, showcasing its ability to overcome complex rocket propulsion challenges.

DAE- Homi Bhabha Chair Scheme:

The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology informed the Rajya Sabha about the DAE- Homi Bhabha Chair Scheme.

• DAE- Homi Bhabha Chair Scheme is administered by the Department of Atomic Energy.
• It is for Distinguished Scientists/Professors, in order to give recognition and an opportunity to outstanding Scientists and Engineers including those retired /superannuated scientists/engineers who were involved in the development of sensitive and/ or critical technologies to carry out research and development work in the fields of their choice and of interest to the Department of Atomic Energy.
• The tenure under DAE- Homi Bhabha Chair Scheme is for the period of one to five years at the discretion of the Selection Committee.
• Under the scheme each awardee shall be entitled to an honorarium of Rs. 200000/-m. (In case honorarium plus pension sanctioned is more than pay last drawn, honorarium would be restricted to pay last drawn before retirement).
• A contingency grant of Rs.76000/- per annum to cover expenditures like secretarial assistance, telephone bills and stationery.
• A lump sum equipment allowance (inclusive of Book Allowance) not exceeding Rs.125000/- would also be made available during the entire tenure of the awardee subject to actual utilization. The equipment allowance also includes a sum of Rs.10000/- towards Book Allowance.
• A fixed monthly transport allowance is also provided in case the awardee of the scheme is not provided with an official vehicle.

SAMARTH Udyog Bharat 4.0 Initiative:

The Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Steel provided information about the SAMARTH Udyog Bharat 4.0 initiative in the Rajya Sabha.

• SAMARTH Udyog Bharat 4.0 Initiative is an initiative of the Ministry of Heavy Industry & Public Enterprises, Government of India under its scheme on Enhancement of Competitiveness in the Indian Capital Goods Sector.
• SAMARTH Udyog encompasses manufacturers, vendors and customers as the main stakeholders.
• The experiential and demonstration centres for Industry 4.0 have been proposed to spread awareness about I4.0 amongst the Indian manufacturing industries.
• Under this 4 Smart Advanced Manufacturing and Rapid Transformation Hub (SAMARTH) Centres have been set up namely:
  • Centre for Industry 4.0 (C4i4) Lab, Pune;
  • IITD-AIA Foundation for Smart Manufacturing, IIT Delhi;
  • I-4.0 India @ IISc, Bengaluru; and
  • Smart Manufacturing Demo & Development Cell, CMTI, Bengaluru.
• SAMARTH Centres have been providing assistance to industries including MSMEs to train the workforce and make them aware of Industry 4.0 technologies

Red Sea : Concern

India remains “concerned” at the evolving situation in West Asia, and attacks against commercial vessels in and around the Red Sea threaten freedom of navigation and “impact our trade”, the government informed the Parliament recently.

• The Red Sea is a semi-enclosed, inlet (or extension) of the Indian Ocean between the continents of Africa and Asia.
• It is the world’s northernmost tropical sea and is also one of the most heavily traveled waterways.
• It is connected to the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean to the south through the Gulf of Aden and the narrow strait of Bab el Mandeb.
• The northern portion of the Red Sea is bifurcated by the Sinai Peninsula into the Gulf of Aqaba and the Gulf of Suez, where it is connected to the Mediterranean Sea via the famous Suez Canal.
• It has a surface area of roughly 438,000 sq.km. and is about 2,250 km in length.
• Yemen and Saudi Arabia border the Red Sea to the east.
• It is bordered by Egypt to the north and west and by Sudan, Eritrea, and Djibouti to the west.
• It is one of the world’s warmest seas. It contains some of the world’s hottest and saltiest seawater.
• Its name is derived from the colour changes observed in its waters.
• Normally, the Red Sea is an intense blue-green; occasionally, however, it is populated by extensive blooms of the algae Trichodesmium erythraeum, which, upon dying off, turn the sea a reddish brown colour.
• Some well-known islands include Tiran Island, which is located near the mouth of the Gulf of Aqaba, and Shadwan Island, which is located at the entrance of the Gulf of Suez.

Abathsahayeswarar Temple : Chosen By UNESCO

The 1,300-year-old Abathsahayeshwarar Temple has been chosen by UNESCO to receive the Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation award.

• Abathsahayeswarar Temple is located in Thukkatchi in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu.
• It was constructed during the reigns of Kings Vikrama Chola and Kulothunga Chola.
• This temple stands as a testament to the architectural brilliance and spiritual dedication of the Chola dynasty.
• Historically, the village surrounding the temple was known as Vikrama Chozheeswaram and Kulothunga Chola Nallur, named after these illustrious rulers.
• Kulothunga Chola also installed the idol of Aadhi Sarabeshwarar in the temple.
• The temple is home to numerous deities, including Soundaryanayaki Ambal and Ashtabhuja Durga Parameshwari and also consists of five prakarams or enclosures.

UNESCO Asia – Pacific Awards for cultural heritage conservation

• This award recognises the efforts of individuals and organizations in Asia and the Pacific in restoring, conserving, and otherwise transforming structures and buildings of heritage value since its establishment in 2000.
• In acknowledging private efforts to restore adapt and breathe new life into historic properties, the Awards encourage other independent efforts, as well as public-private partnerships to undertake conservation projects in their communities.

Dharini : 3D Image Of Foetal Brain

The Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-M) released highly detailed 3D images of a foetal brain named, Dharini.

• It is now the largest publicly accessible digital dataset of the human foetal brain and is freely available to researchers worldwide.
• The dataset provides detailed insights into brain development from the second trimester of a foetus and researchers have identified over 500 brain regions, making it a complete atlas of the human brain.
• It was created with less than one-tenth of the initial funds that powered the Allen Brain Atlas, and with a technology platform that was entirely custom-made in India.
• The dataset offers key applications, including advancements in fetal imaging technology for early diagnosis and treatment of developmental disorders.
• It also serves as an invaluable resource for researchers aiming to understand neurodevelopmental processes and conditions.
• The project was supported by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India and private entities.
• It could offer new insights into neonatal brain health and help improve early diagnosis and treatment.
• The dataset is available to all researchers and can help in the development of treatments for brain-related health conditions.

One Nation, One Election : Approved

The Union Cabinet approved “One Nation, One Election” to synchronize elections, sparking debates on its impact on federalism, democracy, and logistics.ONOE refers to holding elections for the Lok Sabha, all state assemblies, and local bodies simultaneously to streamline governance and reduce costs.Simultaneous elections were conducted in India from 1951-1967 but were disrupted due to premature dissolutions of assemblies and the Lok Sabha.ONOE covers elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, with municipal and panchayat elections synchronized within 100 days.

“Under the Sal Tree” Theatre Festival:

The “Under the Sal Tree” Theatre Festival, held annually in Rampur, Assam, promotes eco-friendly and sustainable practices in theatre while showcasing rich cultural diversity. Sal Tree Theatre Festival is An open-air theatre festival promoting carbon neutrality and eco-conscious practices in theatre, hosted by Badungduppa Kalakendra in Rampur, Assam.

Most Favoured Nation:

Switzerland has recently revoked India’s Most Favoured Nation (MFN) clause in Double taxation avoidance agreement status following a Supreme Court ruling in an adverse tax case involving Nestle.MFN is a principle under the World Trade Organization (WTO) that mandates non-discrimination among member countries in trade policies.
Members are treated equally in terms of tariffs, quotas, and trade barriers.

African Swine Fever : Outbreak in kerala

An outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF), a highly contagious disease affecting pigs, has been reported in Kerala’s Kottayam district. Authorities have initiated culling measures and declared infected zones to contain the disease’s spread.ASF is endemic to sub-Saharan Africa but has spread globally to regions like Asia and Europe.

India Maritime Heritage Conclave 2024:

The 1st India Maritime Heritage Conclave (IMHC 2024), organized by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) on December 11-12, marked a significant occasion to honor India’s rich maritime legacy while envisioning its future as a global maritime leader. This landmark event brought together key ministers, maritime experts, and international dignitaries, reaffirming India’s crucial role in global trade and culture.

BOBCARD Launches TIARA Credit Card:

BOBCARD has launched the TIARA Credit Card, a premium, women-centric offering designed to empower modern women. This card is packed with rewards across various categories such as travel, lifestyle, dining, entertainment, and health, providing women with the tools to manage their finances without compromising on lifestyle. The launch event, held at Pinkathon, featured notable personalities like Milind Soman and Ankita Konwar.

Manish Jain Appointed Executive Director at YES Bank:

YES Bank announced that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had approved the appointment of Manish Jain as the Executive Director (Whole-Time Director) of the bank. Jain’s appointment is for a period of three years, starting from December 11, 2024, to December 10, 2027. This move follows a prior resolution by the bank’s board of directors and will be subject to the approval of YES Bank’s shareholders.

Padma Bhushan Ustad Zakir Hussain Passes Away at 73:

Padma Bhushan Ustad Zakir Hussain, the legendary tabla player, passed away at the age of 73 in a US hospital due to heart-related problems. His music and legacy will continue to inspire generations. Zakir Hussain was the son of tabla legend Ustad Allah Rakha. From a young age, he showed extraordinary talent and started performing at just seven years old. Trained rigorously by his father

Time magazine has honored Donald Trump as its 2024 Person of the Year:

Time magazine has named Donald Trump as its Person of the Year for 2024, marking the second time he has received this prestigious recognition. The decision highlights Trump’s substantial political influence, his historic comeback following his victory in the November 5 election over Vice President Kamala Harris, and his role in reshaping the American presidency. Time’s recognition of Trump underscores the significant impact he has had on American politics and the world stage.

India’s GDP Growth Projections for FY25:

India’s GDP growth projections for FY25 have been revised downward by multiple agencies, reflecting cautious optimism amid global and domestic challenges. CARE Ratings has lowered its FY25 GDP growth estimate from 6.8% to 6.5%, citing a contraction in corporate profitability, reduced public capital expenditure (capex), and sluggish urban consumption in the first half of FY25.