Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 27th January 2025

SANJAY Surveillance System:

The Minister of Defence flagged-off ‘SANJAY – The Battlefield Surveillance System (BSS)’ from South Block, New Delhi.

SANJAY Surveillance System:

• It is a battlefield automated surveillance system which integrates the inputs from all ground and aerial battlefield sensors, processing them to confirm their veracity, preventing duplication and fusing them to produce a Common Surveillance Picture of the battlefield over secured Army Data Network & Satellite Communication Network.
• It is equipped with state-of-the-art sensors and cutting-edge analytics.
• It will monitor the vast land borders, prevent intrusions, assess situations with unparalleled accuracy and prove to be a force multiplier in Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance.
• It would enable commanders to operate in both conventional & sub-conventional operations in a Network Centric Environment.
• These systems will be inducted to all operational Brigades, Divisions & Corps of the Indian Army in three phases.
• It has been indigenously & jointly developed by the Indian Army and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
• Its induction will be an extraordinary leap towards data and network centricity in the Indian Army.
• It will enhance battlefield transparency and transform the future battlefield through a Centralised Web Application which will provide inputs to Command & Army Headquarters, and the Indian Army Decision Support System.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome : Hype In Pune

Around 59 people in Pune have been recently affected with Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

• Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a neurological disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system.
• Peripheral nervous system is the part of the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord.
• It controls muscle movement, pain signals, and temperature and touch sensations.
• GBS is also called acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP).
• It can occur at any age, but it most commonly affects people between 30 and 50.
• The exact cause of the disease remains unclear, but it is often observed following a viral or bacterial infection, vaccination or major surgery.
• At such times, the immune system becomes hyperactive, leading to this rare condition.
• Patients often begin with an unknown fever, followed by weakness and other nervous system-related symptoms.
• It can increase in intensity over a period of hours, days, or weeks until certain muscles cannot be used at all.
• Some cases of GBS are very mild and only marked by brief weakness. Others cause nearly devastating paralysis, leaving the person unable to breathe on their own.
• There is no known cure for this syndrome.
• The most commonly used treatment is intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), which is made from donated blood that contains healthy antibodies.
• This helps calm down the immune system’s attack on the nerves.

Dhanauri Wetland:

The principal bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) recently directed the Uttar Pradesh government to place on record in four weeks the status of notifying the Dhanauri water body as a wetland.

• It is located in Greater Noida, Gautam Buddha Nagar district, Uttar Pradesh, close to the Okhla bird sanctuary and Surajpur wetland.
• It is nestled within the floodplains of the Yamuna Basin, within 15 kms of the River Yamuna.
• The wetland, which is mostly composed of marshes, is a significant site for the vulnerable Sarus Crane (Antigone antigone).
• Besides the Sarus Crane, some of the bird species reported in the Dhanauri wetland are Common teal, Mallard, Northern-Pintail, Greylag geese, Bar-headed geese, Woolly-necked Stork, Black-necked stork, Painted Stork, and Eurasian marsh harrier among others.
• It is classified as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International.

Sarus Crane:

• It is the world’s tallest flying bird.
• There are three subspecies of Sarus Crane in the world, namely, the Indian Sarus Crane, the Eastern Sarus Crane and the Australian Sarus Crane.It is classified as ‘Vulnerable’ under the IUCN Red List.

Typhon Missile System:

The U.S. military has relocated its Typhon missile launchers within the Philippines to enhance their mobility and survivability, amid rising tensions with China and Russia.

• Typhon, also called the Mid-Range Capability (MRC), is a highly versatile and powerful missile system designed for surface-to-surface operations.
• It is a mobile, ground-launched missile system developed to provide the U.S. Army with enhanced long-range strike capabilities.
• Manufactured by U.S. firm Lockheed Martin, the Typhon Weapon System leverages a modular design that allows it to fire various missile types.
• The system is primarily equipped with two types of advanced missiles: the Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) and the Tomahawk cruise missile.
• The SM-6 (Range: 500 km) is a surface-to-air missile with the added capability to strike surface targets.
• The Tomahawk (Range: 2,500 km) is a cruise missile traditionally used for land-attack but increasingly capable of anti-ship missions as well.
• A full Typhon Weapon System battery comprises four launchers, a command post and reload and support vehicles.

Eurodrone Programme : India Joined

India has joined Eurodrone programme as an observer state.

• Eurodrone or Medium Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (MALE RPAS) is a twin-turboprop MALE Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).
• It has a maximum mission payload of 2.3 tonnes and an endurance period, maximum time an aircraft can stay in the air using a single load of fuel, of up to 40 hours.
• It offers superior capabilities compared to other existing remotely piloted aircraft systems.
• Equipped with a twin-engine configuration, the drone is designed for operations in diverse environments, including severe weather conditions.
• It is a remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) designed for long-endurance missions such as intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR), maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare and airborne early warning.
• It is the first RPAS natively designed for integration into civil airspace.
• Eurodrone Programme is part of Europe’s collective defence strategy, reducing reliance on US and Israeli platforms such as the Reaper and Heron drones, respectively.
• It is a 4-nation development programme of Germany, France, Italy and Spain, led by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR).
• Airbus Defence and Space (GER) is the Industrial Prime together with Leonardo (ITA), Dassault Aviation (FRA) and Airbus Defence and Space (SPA) acting as Major Subcontractors (MSC).
• Germany takes the role of Lead Nation for the programme.

Rhodamine B : Banned In Food Related Products

A recent ban issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reinforces restrictions, prohibiting the use of Rhodamine B in any food-related applications due to increasing evidence of its carcinogenic properties.

• Rhodamine B is a water-soluble, fluorescent synthetic dye known for its bright pink hue.
• It appears green in powder form, turns vivid fluorescent pink when it comes in contact with water.
• It is commonly utilised in industries such as food, textiles, paper and leather.
• It has been banned in India by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). However, it is found in many food items sold by the street vendors due to its low cost. It is used as the colorant in chili powder or chili oil.
• Its application extends to scientific research due to its fluorescent properties.
• Its use in consumable products is fraught with health risks.
• It can cause oxidative stress on cells and tissues if ingested.
• It can cause DNA damage, leading to mutations and potentially triggering cancerous growths.
• Animal research has demonstrated tumor development in organs like the liver and bladder following prolonged exposure to the dye.
• In sensitive individuals, it can lead to allergic reactions such as itching, redness and skin thickening.
• Long-term exposure to synthetic dyes like Rhodamine B can result in chronic allergic reactions and permanent skin pigmentation changes.

KaWaCHaM : Weather Alert System

The Kerala Government launched KaWaCHaM, one of the world’s fastest weather alert systems.

• KaWaCHaM’ stands for Kerala Warnings Crisis and Hazards Management System, and the word kavacham in Malayalam translates to ‘shield’, symbolising protection.
• It is an advanced disaster warning system that integrates alerts, sirens and global weather models to improve the State’s early disaster preparedness and public safety.
• It is designed to enhance rescue and rehabilitation efforts during extreme weather events driven by climate change.
• It has been developed with funding from the National Disaster Management Authority and the World Bank as part of the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project.
• It includes hazard assessment, alert issuance and action planning according to threat levels.
• It aims to install 126 sirens and strobe lights on tall towers, government buildings and schools.
• Each siren has three colours—red, yellow and orange—in the strobe light and is equipped with eight loudspeakers.
• These sirens can broadcast warnings up to 1,200 metres away and provide essential information about emergency camps and safety precautions.
• The system will include pre-recorded voice messages and audio alerts to provide various warnings.
• Under the project, the State integrates all early warning systems into a framework that disseminates knowledge, issues warnings, monitors developing crises and ensures responses.
• KaWaCHaM collects data from various sources, including weather networks such as India Meteorological Department, INCOIS and CWC, private and public agencies, social media networks and the Internet.
• The warnings will cover sea attacks, heavy rainfall, strong winds and extreme heat.
• It is headed by the state emergency operation centre, will operate at the taluk (subdistrict) level and cover all vulnerable areas.

Decline in India’s Total Fertility Rate:

The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021 has revealed a steep decline in India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) over the decades.

• This raises concerns about socio-economic and political repercussions, particularly in southern states.
• Key Findings of the Study:
  • India’s Fertility Trends: India’s TFR dropped from 6.18 in the 1950s to 1.9 in 2021, below the replacement level of 2.1.
  • By 2100, the TFR in India is projected to fall further to 1.04 (barely one child per woman).
  • Regional Variations in India: Southern states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka achieved replacement-level fertility earlier than northern states.
  • By 2036, Kerala’s aged population is expected to surpass children (23%). High labor wages, quality of life, and internal migration are expected to bring migrant labor to 60 lakh by 2030 (about one-sixth of the State’s population).
  • The demographic shift was driven by high literacy, women’s empowerment, and advances in social and health sectors.

Delays in MGNREGA Wages:

A recent study in the Indian Journal of Labour Economics (IJLE), revealed that the union government owes Rs 39 crore in delayed wages to Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) workers.The study analyzed 31.36 million wage transactions in 2021-22 and found that the Aadhaar-Based Payment System (ABPS) and caste-based wage distribution, instead of improving payment speed, have caused delays.Only 43% of MGNREGA workers were eligible for ABPS when it became mandatory in January 2024.

Bhitarkanika National Park : Annual Reptile Census

The annual reptile census at Bhitarkanika National Park (BNP) has revealed that saltwater crocodiles in BNP stands at 1,826 in 2025, including 18 albino crocodiles (rare white crocodiles). It was started to increase the population so that 5 to 6 crocodiles could be sighted per kilometer of water. Bhitarkanika National Park is located in Odisha, BNP is India’s 2nd largest mangrove ecosystem, after the Sunderbans. it is Recognized as a Ramsar Site, it is a significant wetland of international importance.

Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic) Policy:

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution announced key revisions to the Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic) (OMSS(D)) policy for 2024-25. These changes aim to improve food security and support ethanol production in India.The OMSS involves the periodic sale of surplus food grains (wheat and rice) from the central pool managed by the Food Corporation of India (FCI).The grains are sold to dealers, bulk consumers, and retail chains through e-auctions at prices set by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.The scheme helps curb inflation and stabilize food grain prices meeting the needs of the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) and Other Welfare Schemes.

Principal Purpose Test:

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has introduced new guidelines for applying the Principal Purpose Test (PPT) under India’s Double Tax Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs), aiming to prevent tax avoidance.These guidelines apply prospectively, with specific exemptions for treaties with Cyprus, Mauritius, and Singapore due to grandfathering provisions.The PPT provisions will apply prospectively, meaning past investments, particularly those before 1st April 2017, will remain unaffected and not face retrospective scrutiny. The PPT is part of international tax rules aimed at preventing misuse of tax treaties.

National Girl Child Day 2025:

National Girl Child Day is observed annually on 24th January aimed at promoting the rights, empowerment, and potential of girls across India.Theme: “Empowering Girls for a Bright Future” emphasizes equal opportunities for girls in education, healthcare, and personal growth. It was started in 2008 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development to combat critical issues such as child marriage and female foeticide. The 2025 National Girl Child Day celebrations, marking the 10th anniversary of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, will run from 22nd January to 8th March 2025, concluding on International Women’s Day.