Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 28th December 2024

NHRC Action On Tribal Suicides In Kerala:

The NHRC took suo motu cognisance of a news report highlighting an alarming rise in suicides among the tribal population in Kerala’s Peringammala Panchayat in Thiruvananthapuram district. The report revealed that 23 suicides occurred in 2024, following 138 suicides in the region between 2011 and 2022.

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC):

• The NHRC is an independent statutory body established on October 12, 1993, under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
• It serves as a guardian of human rights in India, overseeing the rights associated with life, liberty, equality, and dignity as guaranteed by the Constitution of India and international covenants.
• The NHRC aligns with the Paris Principles on Human Rights, ensuring accountability and compliance.
• According to Section 2(1)(d) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, human rights encompass the rights related to life, liberty, equality, and dignity protected by the Constitution or outlined in international treaties enforceable in Indian courts.
• The NHRC is a multi-member body, comprising:
  • Full-Time Members:
    • A chairperson (retired Chief Justice of India or Supreme Court judge).
    • Members include a sitting/retired Supreme Court judge, a Chief Justice of a High Court, and three experts in human rights (one must be a woman).
  • Ex-Officio Members: Chairpersons of:
    • National Commission for Minorities, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Women, Backward Classes, Protection of Child Rights, and Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.

Tiger Translocation:

MP to translocate 15 tigers to Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Odisha

• The Madhya Pradesh government has announced the translocation of 15 tigers to Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.
• This initiative involves 12 tigresses and 3 tigers, subject to approval from the Central Government.
• The tigers will be relocated from the Bandhavgarh, Pench, and Kanha Tiger Reserves.
• Kanha Tiger Reserve, also known as Kanha National Park, is the largest national park in Madhya Pradesh.
• Spread across Mandla and Balaghat districts, nestled in the Maikal range of Satpuras, forming part of the Central Indian Highlands.
• It was established as a national park on June 1, 1955, and Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1973.
• The reserve inspired Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book”.
• It was the first in India to introduce an official mascot, Bhoorsingh the Barasingha.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning:

AI and machine learning to help the Indian pharma industry to pivot innovation.

• AI refers to machines performing human-like tasks such as learning, reasoning, and decision-making.
• Core components include:
  • Machine Learning (ML): Algorithms that improve over time with data.
  • Neural Networks: Mimicking the human brain for pattern recognition.
  • Natural Language Processing (NLP): Enabling machines to understand and generate human language.
• AI systems process inputs, apply algorithms and deliver intelligent outputs.
• Artificial Intelligence:
  • Narrow AI: Task-specific systems like virtual assistants (e.g., Alexa, Siri).
  • General AI: Mimics human intelligence across diverse tasks (yet to be achieved).
  • Super AI: A hypothetical future form surpassing human intelligence.

United Nations Disengagement Observer Force:

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has paid tributes to Brigadier General Amitabh Jha of India, who was serving with the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) at Golan Heights.

• UNDOF was established by UN Security Council Resolution 350 (1974) on 31 May 1974 immediately following disengagement of Forces Agreement between Israel and Syria.
• It is To maintain the ceasefire and supervise the area of separation — a demilitarized buffer zone — as well as the area of limitation — where Israeli and Syrian troops and equipment are restricted — in the Golan.
• The mandate of the mission is regularly renewed every six months and it has been extended till June 2025.
• UNDOF is funded through a separate account approved on an annual basis by the UN General Assembly.
• India is the top third troop and police contributing countries to this mission.
• Headquarter: Camp Faouar, Syria

SVAMITVA Scheme : In News

The Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas (SVAMITVA) is a central sector scheme, launched in 2020.

• It was launched with a vision to enhance the economic progress of rural India by providing ‘Record of Rights’ to households possessing houses in inhabited areas in villages through the latest surveying drone technology.
• The scheme seeks to achieve the following objectives:
  • To bring financial stability to the citizens in rural India by enabling them to use their property as a financial asset for taking loans and other financial benefits.
  • Creation of accurate land records for rural planning.
  • Determination of property tax, which would accrue to the GPs directly in States where it is devolved or else, add to the State exchequer.
  • Creation of survey infrastructure and GIS maps that can be leveraged by any department for their use.
  • To support in preparation of better-quality Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) by making use of GIS maps.
  • To reduce property related disputes and legal cases.
• The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) is the Nodal Ministry for implementation of the scheme.

Bald Eagle : Declared As United States National Bird

Bald eagle was officially declared as United States national bird after 250 years.

• The Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is a magnificent bird of prey found in North America.
• It usually leads a solitary life, gathering in groups during nesting season.
• Its body and wings are dark browns in color while the head and tail are white.
• The legs and feet are bright yellow and the eyes are light yellow.
• Males of this species are smaller than females.
• It typically prefers areas near large water bodies such as sea coasts, coastal estuaries and inland lakes and rivers, in many areas,
• Bald eagles have a monogamous mating system. These birds are believed to mate for life, or until a pair member dies.
• Their range extends from the Mexico border through the United States and Canada.
• They can be seen year-round in Alaska, along the East and West coasts, the Rocky Mountains, and the Mississippi River.
• The rest of the United States only sees bald eagles during the winter and their migration.
• Conservation status: IUCN: Least Concern

Kaveri Engine:

India’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), part of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has announced that the Kaveri engine has been cleared for inflight testing.

• The Kaveri engine project began in the late 1980s with the goal of powering the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.
• It has been developed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment under the Defence Research and Development Organisation.
• The current version of the Kaveri engine produces approximately 49-51 kN of thrust.
• This thrust level is suitable for UAV applications like the Ghatak, India’s stealth UCAV program.
• The DRDO plans to integrate an afterburner to increase the thrust to 73-75 kN for more demanding scenarios.
• The Kaveri engine has undergone extensive ground testing, modifications, and enhancements over the years.
• It has been tested in high-altitude simulations in Russia and ground trials in India. These tests demonstrated promising results in reliability, thrust output, and operational stability, meeting the required performance metrics for inflight testing.
• This signifies a major step for India’s self-reliance in aero-engine technology, particularly for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) like the Ghatak stealth UCAV program.

400 Million Dreams : Migration Report

The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) released a working paper titled “400 Million Dreams!” which highlights a 12% decline in domestic migration since 2011.

• This shift, reflecting broader socio-economic changes, is attributed to improved economic opportunities and infrastructure in traditionally high migration source areas.

Key Highlights of the EAC-PM Report on Domestic Migration:

• The number of domestic migrants in India has decreased by 12% since 2011, with the estimated number of migrants in 2023 standing at 40.20 crore.
• This is an 11.78% decline from the 45.58 crore migrants reported in Census 2011.
• The migration rate (difference between the number of persons entering and leaving) has fallen from 37.64% of the total population in 2011 to 28.88% in 2023, indicating a slowdown in migration.
• Migrant States: West Bengal, Rajasthan, and Karnataka have experienced the highest growth in attracting migrants.
• Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh have seen a reduction in their percentage share of total migrants.
• Major urban agglomerations like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata continue to be the primary destinations for migrants.
• Mumbai, Bengaluru Urban, and Howrah are among the top districts attracting the most migrant arrivals.
• Primary migration corridors include Uttar Pradesh-Delhi, Gujarat-Maharashtra, Telangana-Andhra Pradesh, and Bihar-Delhi.
• Migration is most frequent during April to June, with secondary peaks in November-December, likely due to festivals and marriages.
• January experiences the lowest levels of migration, suggesting a seasonal pattern.

Increasing Real Effective Exchange Rate in India:

the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reported that the Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) of the rupee reached 108.14 in November 2024 from 107.20 in October 2024, marking its highest level this year.The rupee’s REER of 108.14 indicates overvaluation since 2015-16, undermining export competitiveness, despite nominal depreciation against the USD, revealing contrasting Nominal Effective Exchange Rate (NEER) and REER indices.

100 years of the Belgaum Congress Session:

The centenary of the 1924 Belgaum Congress session is being celebrated in Belagavi, Karnataka, on 26-27th December 2024.This event commemorates Mahatma Gandhi’s chairmanship of the historic 39th All-India Congress session in Belgaum, where he made significant contributions to the Congress Party’s ideology and organizational structure.

Social Media and Teenagers:

Rising social media use among teenagers’ sparks debates on benefits and risks, with moves like Australia’s ban for under-16s underscoring the need to balance digital engagement and mental health.Reports show over 43% of Indian children aged 8-18 have active social media accounts, with many accessing it via parental smartphones.

Wealth Tax : Proposal To Reintroduce

The proposal to reintroduce wealth tax in India has sparked debates, with arguments for reducing inequality through redistribution versus concerns over capital flight and administrative inefficiencies.Wealth tax is a direct tax levied on the net wealth of individuals, HUFs, and companies to ensure redistribution of resources. In India, it was governed by the Wealth Tax Act, 1957, abolished in 2016 due to high administrative costs and low revenue collection.

Suposhit Gram Panchayat Abhiyan:

Prime Minister launched the Suposhit Gram Panchayat Abhiyan, emphasizing the significance of combating malnutrition and promoting healthy living.It Aims to encourage villages to adopt practices that ensure better nutrition and overall health.
Focus Areas: Malnutrition eradication, healthy competition among villages, and sustainable development.It is Community-driven initiatives to improve nutritional outcomes and empower rural populations.

Monetary and Fiscal Policy:

A finance ministry report cited monetary policy, macroprudential measures, and structural factors as possible contributors to the demand slowdown, highlighting differing views with the RBI on growth and inflation.Fiscal policy refers to the government’s use of taxation, spending, and borrowing to influence economic activity.

Russia Declares Federal Emergency Over Black Sea Oil Spill:

Russian authorities have declared a federal-level emergency in response to a catastrophic oil spill along the Black Sea coast. The spill, which occurred on December 15, has led to widespread pollution across the region, severely affecting local communities, marine ecosystems, and the coastal economy.

Ocean Anoxic Event 1a (OAE 1a):

The Ocean Anoxic Event 1a (OAE 1a), which occurred around 120 million years ago during the early Aptian, was a significant climatic and environmental event caused by massive volcanic eruptions that released large quantities of CO₂, triggering global warming and oceanic anoxia. The event severely disrupted marine ecosystems, leading to the extinction of several species, particularly plankton, and the formation of organic-rich black shale deposits. The study of this ancient event provides valuable insights into current climate concerns, with modern parallels in human-induced global warming and the potential risks for marine life.

Sachin Tendulkar Accepts Prestigious MCC’s Membership:

The Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC), a prestigious institution managing the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), has announced that legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has accepted its invitation to become an Honorary Cricket Member. This honor recognizes Tendulkar’s unparalleled contributions to the game over a remarkable 24-year international career.

Amit Shah Reviews BBSSL’s Role in Strengthening Cooperative Agriculture:

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah chaired a review meeting of Bhartiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) in New Delhi. Attendees included Union Ministers of State for Cooperation Shri Krishna Pal and Shri Murlidhar Mohol, Secretary of Cooperation Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, and senior officials. Shri Shah emphasized BBSSL’s pivotal role in realizing PM Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sehkar Se Samriddhi” by empowering farmers through the preservation and promotion of India’s traditional seeds.

Dr. Sandip Shah Appointed A Chairperson of NABL:

The National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), a constituent board of the Quality Council of India (QCI), has appointed Dr. Sandip Shah as its new Chairperson. A distinguished medical professional, Dr. Shah brings over three decades of expertise in healthcare, pathology, and diagnostics.