Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 6th January 2025

Saint Narahari Tirtha:

In a remarkable discovery, a member of the Team of Research on Culture and Heritage (TORCH) has hit upon a three-foot idol of the 13th Century saint, Narahari Tīrtha recently.

• Narahari Tirtha (c. 13th century) was a prominent Dvaita Vedanta philosopher, scholar, and saint in the Madhva tradition.
• He was a disciple of Madhvacharya, the founder of Dvaita philosophy, and played a key role in spreading the doctrine in eastern India, particularly in the Kalinga region (modern Odisha and Andhra Pradesh).
• Believed to have hailed from Chikakolu town (present Srikakulam), Tirtha’s ancestors were aristocrats in the Gajapati empire in what is now the Odisha state.
• Available epigraphical evidence suggests that kings of Eastern Ganga dynasty were assisted by the saint for three decades.
• He ensured that the king followed Sanatana Dharma and took care of its adherents by formulating a proper executive system to oversee the temple administration.
• His contributions on this front are well documented in inscriptions available in the Simhachalam and Srikurmam (Srikakulam) temples.
• As saint Ramanuja had introduced Vaiṣṇavism in the region, it was Narahari Tīrtha’s prolonged presence that resulted in Acharya’s Vaiṣhṇavism getting a firm following in this region, but in a completely non-interfering and secular manner.
• Shri Narahari wrote fifteen books, but only two of his works, Gita Bhasya and Bhavaprakasika are existing today.
• He was the first one to have composed Devaranamas in Kannada.
• He was instrumental in propagating two more art forms: Yakṣagana Bayalaṭa which is a form of dance-drama famous in and around coastal Karnataka; and the classical dance form that evolved in Andhra Pradesh as the famous Kuchipudi.
• The saint, upon his passing away, was consecrated near the rock adjacent to Chakratirtha at Hampi on the banks of Tungabhadra.

Polavaram Project:

The Telangana government has decided to rope in experts from the Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad (IIT-H), to study the impact of the construction of the Polavaram project on the Godavari River.

• It is a multi-purpose irrigation project built on the Godavari River in West Godavari district and East Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh.
• It involves the construction of a damto address water scarcity, boost agricultural productivity, and generate power.
• The span of the dam is about 1.2 km, having a pier height of 54 m and a total of 48 radial gates (16m x 20m).
• Designed to withstand massive floods that could occur once in 1000 years, the Polavaram Spillway is set to have the highest discharge capacity in the world.
• At 50 lakh cusecs, it is set to surpass even the 3 Gorges Dam of China, one of the largest dams in the world.
• It has been accorded national project status by the central government.
• It is intended for development of a gross irrigation potential of 4,36,825 ha.
• The project also envisages the generation of 960 MW of hydropower, drinking water supply to a population of 28.50 lakh in 611 villages, and diversion of 80 TMC of water to the Krishna River basin.
• The dam will help manage floodwaters from the Godavari River, reducing risks to nearby communities.

Cowpea : Germinated During ISRO Mission

ISRO recently said the cowpea seeds it had sent to space onboard the PSLV-C60 POEM-4 platform have germinated under microgravity conditions within four days of the launch of the mission.

• Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is an annual plant within the pea family (Fabaceae).
• It is a leguminous crop having long trailing vines producing seeds of black, white, or red colour used widely in various food preparations.
• It originated and was domesticated in Southern Africa and was later moved to East and West Africa and Asia.
• It is also known as a black-eyed pea, southern pea,
• Cowpeas are typically climbing or trailing vines that bear compound leaveswith three leaflets.
• The grains contain 25% protein and several vitamins and minerals.
• The plant tolerates drought, performs well in a wide variety of soils, and, being a legume replenishes low-fertility soils when the roots are left to decay.
• Well-drained loam or slightly heavy soil is best suited.
• In colder climates somewhat sandy soil is preferred as crops mature earlier in them.
• It is grown mainly by small-scale farmers in developing regions where it is often cultivated with other crops as it tolerates shade.
• It also grows and covers the ground quickly, preventing erosion.
• The world’s largest production and consumption of cowpea is in West Africa, which accounts for more than 87% of world production and use.
• Nigeria, the largest producer and consumer, accounts for 46% of production worldwide.
• In the Indian context, it is a minor pulse cultivated mainly in arid and semi-arid tracts of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and West UP, along with considerable areas in Rajasthan, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamilnadu, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.

Rani Velu Nachiyar:

The Prime Minister of India remembered the courageous Rani Velu Nachiyar on her birth anniversary.

• Rani Velu Nachiyar was born in January 3, 1730 in Ramanathapuram.
• She was the only child of Raja Chellamuthu vijayaragunatha Sethupathy and Rani Sakandhimuthal of the Ramnad kingdom.
• At the age of 16, she married the prince of Sivaganga, Muthuvadugananthur Udaiyathevar.
• She is known by Tamils as Veeramangai.
• She was trained in war to match weapons usage, martial arts like Valari, Silambam(fighting using the stick), horse riding and archery.
• She was skilled in the art of warfare and weaponry, Velu Nachiyar was also a scholar, and mastered several languages including English, French and Urdu.
• In collaboration with Hyder Ali and Gopala Nayaker, she waged a war against the British and emerged victoriously.
• She was the first queen to fight for the freedom from the British in India. She granted powers to the Marudu brothers to administer the country in 1780.

Export Inspection Council:

The Export Inspection Council (EIC) has initiated a detailed gap assessment study on food testing infrastructure for exports.

• Export Inspection Council was set up by the Government of India under Section 3 of the Export (Quality Control and Inspection) Act, 1963.
• It ensures sound development of export trade of India through quality control and inspection and matters connected therewith.
• It is the official export–certification body of India, which ensures quality and safety of products exported from India.
• It is headed by a Chairperson.
• The Executive Head of the Council is the Director of Inspection & Quality Control who is responsible for day to day functioning of the Council.
• The role of EIC is to ensure that products notified under the Export (Quality Control and Inspection) Act 1963 are meeting the requirements of the importing countries in respect of their quality and safety.
• EIC provides mandatory certification for various Food items namely fish & fishery products, dairy product, honey, egg products, meat and meat products, poultry meat products, animal casing, Gelatine, Ossein and crushed bones and feed additive and pre-mixtures while other food and non-food products are certified on voluntary basis.
• The Export Inspection Agencies (EIAs) located at Mumbai, Kolkata, Kochi, Delhi and Chennai with a network of 30 sub offices backed by the state of art, NABL accredited laboratories at various places.
• Headquarter: Delhi
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Commerce and Industry

First Meteor Shower Of The Year:

The world is all set to witness the first meteor shower of the year i.e Quadrantid Meteor in this month.

• It occurs every year in early January. It is among one of the most intense annual meteor displays, and has a brief peak lasting only a few hours.
• The name Quadrantids comes from the now obsolete constellation Quadrans Muralis, which was named in 1975 by French astronomer JJ Lalande.
• The meteor shower was observed for the first time in the 1830s by Belgian astronomer Adolphe Quetelet.
• It branches from the northeast corner of the Boötes constellation.
• The Quadrantids reportedly emerged from asteroid 2003 EH1, which is believed to be a fragment of an extinct comet that broke down in 1490-91.
• In its peak activity, observers can spot 60 to 120 meteors per hour. However, the visibility depends mainly on location and timing.
• This year the viewing conditions will largely favour North America, especially for those in Mississippi.
• Apart from the US, Canada, certain regions in Northern Europe, and Russia, China, Japan, and Korea are likely to witness the shower.

Rabbit Fever : Report

As per a recent report ‘rabbit fever’ has witnessed more than 50 per cent rise in the US in recent years also known as tularemia

• Rabbit Fever is a rare and sometimes deadly infectious disease is seen in children between the 5-9 years age group, older men, and American Indians or Alaska Natives.
• It is caused by the Francisella tularensis a bacterium, that can infect animals and people. Rabbits, hares and rodents are more likely to get the disease, hence the name.
• The signs and symptoms of tularemia can depend on how the bacteria has entered the body.
• The illness can be mild or severe and high grade fever is a common symptom in all kinds of illnesses.
• Skin ulcers (observed after a tick or deer fly bite), Irritation and inflammation in eyes, Difficulty in breathing, Sore throat, mouth ulcer, etc. are other symptoms.
• People can also become infected in many ways, including tick and deer fly bites, and contact with infected animals like rabbits, rodents, and hares.
• The infection can also spread by drinking contaminated water and inhaling contaminated aerosols or agricultural and landscaping dust, and laboratory exposure,
• Treatment: Vaccination for tularemia is not yet available in the U.S. It can be treated with antibiotics.

Open Data Kit (ODK) Platform:

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) is using Open Data Kit (ODK) platform a new digital tool to improve transparency and accountability in public spending.

• Open Data Kit (ODK) Platform is a digital platform which allows the CAG to collect and manage data securely.
• It is used for designing, collecting, and managing data to enhance transparency in public spending and accountability in government schemes.
• It is integrated with CAG’s own operating system called OIOS.
• It is end-to-end encrypted online portal.
• It is used to collect information for identifying problem areas warranting additional review.
• It also helps CAG in launching surveys in multiple languages at the same time
• Beneficiary Survey is one of the sources for information for audit planning as well as for collection of audit evidence.
• ODK toolkit was deployed to ascertain patient satisfaction while gathering evidence in auditing the performance of the AIIMS at Mangalagiri in Guntur district and the AIIMS at Bibinagar in Hyderabad.

Logistics Ease Across Different States 2024:

The Union Minister of Commerce & Industry released the “Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) 2024” report in New Delhi.

• It is the 6th edition of the LEADS report.
• It evaluates logistics performance across four key pillars: Logistics Infrastructure, Logistics Services, Operating and Regulatory Environment, and the newly introduced Sustainable Logistics.
• It highlights initiatives undertaken by various States and UTs across the identified pillars also focusses on State/UT-specific opportunities to enable informed decision-making.

Key highlights of LEADS 2024:

Coastal Group:

• Achievers: Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu
• Fast Movers: Andhra Pradesh, Goa
• Aspirers: Kerala, West Bengal

Landlocked Group:

• Achievers: Haryana, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand
• Fast Movers: Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan
• Aspirers: Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand

North-Eastern Group:

• Achievers: Assam, Arunachal Pradesh
• Fast Movers: Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura
• Aspirers: Manipur

Union Territories:

• Achievers: Chandigarh, Delhi
• Fast Movers: Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, Puducherry
• Aspirers: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Ladakh

HMPV : Concern

China is undergoing an upsurge in respiratory diseases, with human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is emerging as a key concern.

• Human Metapneumovirus is a respiratory virus that causes mild infections similar to that caused by a common cold.
• It was first identified by scientists in 2001 which belongs to the Pneumoviridae family, of which respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), measles and mumps are also members.
• It can cause both upper and lower respiratory tract infections and is generally seen in winter and early spring.
• Children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to the infection and to developing complications from it.
• Symptoms can resemble those caused by a common cold.
• They include a cough, runny or blocked nose, sore, throat, fever and wheezing.
• The estimated incubation period is three to six days.
• In most people, the illness goes away on its own within a few days, with rest and supportive care at home.
• In a few people however, complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia may arise, requiring medical care.
• It spreads through contact with an infected person or touching objects that have the virus on them.
• This can be through: secretions from coughs, sneezes; close contact with someone who has the infection such as shaking hands, hugging; touching a doorknob or a phone or a keyboard that may be contaminated with the virus and then touching the mouth, nose or eyes.
• Treatment: There is no vaccine and there is no specific antiviral to treat HMPV.
• Most people require over-the-counter medications to relieve fever and pain, possibly with a decongestant.
• Antibiotics will not work for HMPV.

State Bank of India’s (SBI’s) Two New Deposit Schemes:

The State Bank of India recently launched two new deposit schemes namely, Har Ghar Lakhpati and SBI Patrons, designed to provide customers with greater financial flexibility and enhanced value.

Har Ghar Lakhpati Scheme:

• It is a pre-calculated recurring deposit scheme designed to help customers to accumulate Rs 1 lakh or multiples thereof.
• The new scheme simplifies the process of achieving financial goals, allowing customers to plan and save effectively.
• This product is also available to minors, encouraging early financial planning and savings habits.
• The minimum tenure of recurring deposits is 12 months (one year), and the maximum is 120 months (10 years).

SBI Patrons Scheme:

• This is a specialized fixed deposit scheme tailored for senior citizens aged 80 years and above.
• It offers enhanced interest rates, recognizing the long-standing relationship many senior customers have with the bank.
• SBI Patrons is available to existing and new term deposit customers.
• SBI Patron’s depositors would earn an additional 10 basis points higher interest rate than what is offered to senior citizens.

Centralized Pension Payments System:

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation recently it has fully rolled out the Centralized Pension Payments System (CPPS) under Employees’ Pension Scheme 1995, enhancing the ease of living for millions of pensioners in the country.It is implemented by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) which allows pensioners to access their pension from any bank or branch nationwide.It aims to streamline the payment process, eliminate the need for physical verifications, and ensure seamless pension disbursement for over 7.85 million pensioners.

Blue Baby Syndrome:

High nitrate levels have been found in the groundwater of 440 districts across India, which can cause health issues like blue baby syndrome in infants and are unsafe for drinking.Blue baby syndrome, also called cyanosis, is a condition in babies in which their skin appears blue or purple tinged. The baby takes on a bluish hue because of poorly oxygenated blood.Normally, blood is pumped from the heart to the lungs, where it receives oxygen.The blood is circulated back through the heart and then throughout the body.When there’s a problem with the heart, lungs, or blood, blood may not be oxygenated properly.

Baanknet Portal:

The government recently launched a revamped e-auction portal, ‘Baanknet,’ in Delhi.It is an e-auction portal that consolidates information on all properties that are put up for e-auction by public sector banks (PSBs).The portal is a one-stop destination for buyers and investors offering a wide range of properties.The listings on the new platform include residential properties such as flats, independent houses, and open plots, as well as commercial properties, industrial land and buildings, shops, vehicles, plant and machinery, and agricultural and non-agricultural land.

Thorium-based Nuclear Energy Production:

India’s largest power generator, National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Limited has signed a strategic pact with US-based Clean Core Thorium Energy (CCTE) to explore development and deployment of advanced nuclear energy for enriched life (ANEEL), thorium-based fuel.Developed by CCTE, Aneel is a thorium-based fuel for pressurised heavy water reactors (PHWRs).The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) plans to utilize India’s abundant thorium reserves in its three-stage nuclear power program as a long-term strategy.

Sanskrit Inscription Found in POK:

A 4th century CE Sanskrit inscription was found near Gilgit in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK), written in Brahmi script.The inscription found in Gilgit mentions “Pushpasingha” installing a Mahesvaralinga for the merit of his guru (name partially lost).

Extension of Crop Insurance Schemes:

The Union Cabinet has approved critical measures to support Indian farmers, including the extension of a special subsidy for Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertilizers and the continuation of crop insurance schemes until 2025-26.The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) till 2025-26. It approved extending the one-time special package on DAP beyond the Nutrient Based Subsidy from 1st January, 2025 till further orders.

Thanthai Periyar Memorial:

Kerala and Tamil Nadu Chief Ministers inaugurated the renovated Thanthai Periyar memorial in Vaikom, a significant site commemorating the contributions of Tamil reformist E.V. Ramasami Naicker, popularly known as Thanthai Periyar.
The memorial honors Thanthai Periyar, who played a pivotal role in the Vaikom Satyagraha, recognized as the first organized movement for the rights of the ‘untouchable’ communities in India in April 1924.

AICTE’s 2025 ‘Year of AI’:

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has designated 2025 as the “Year of Artificial Intelligence” to position India as a global leader in AI.AICTE aims to promote AI in education through updated curricula, workshops for faculty, and collaborations with AI-driven companies for real-world exposure. Core elements of this initiative includes AI affirmation Pledge, Comprehensive AI integration, AI awareness campaign, Faculty development and industry partnerships, Recognition of excellence.

Mission ShakthiSAT:

ISRO has brought together about 12,000 talented girls from 108 countries for an all-girls flight to the lunar orbit, Mission ShakthiSAT. An all-girls lunar mission involving the design, build, and launch of a satellite to the lunar orbit, showcasing global talent in space exploration. Expected Launch: Scheduled for September 2026, to be launched by ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).

Jallikattu Season Begins:

The first Jallikattu event of Tamil Nadu for 2025 was held on January 4 at Thatchankurichi village in the Gandarvakottai taluk of Pudukkottai district. This traditional bull-taming event marks the beginning of the Pongal celebrations and the Jallikattu season in the state. Over 600 bulls and 350 bull-taming participants took part in this iconic event, symbolizing Tamil Nadu’s rich cultural heritage.

BCCI Will Have New Secretary and Treasurer:

Devajit Saikia, a former Assam cricketer, is set to become the new secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), while Prabhtej Singh Bhatia from Chhattisgarh State Cricket Sangh (CSCS) will take over as the new treasurer. Both candidates filed their nominations as the lone applicants for their respective posts and are set to be elected unopposed at the BCCI’s Special General Meeting (SGM) on January 12, 2025, in Mumbai.

India Welcomes Its First Generation Beta Baby:

As the year 2025 brought upon the world the ‘Generation Beta’, India got its first baby of this gen on New Year’s day, January 1, in Mizoram’s Aizawl. The baby, named Frankie Remruatdika Zadeng, is recognized as India’s first child from the so-called Generation Beta. Born at 12:03 AM on January 1, 2025, at Synod Hospital in Durtlang, Aizawl, the healthy newborn weighed a little over 3.12 kilograms.

HDFC Bank Secures RBI Approval to Acquire Stakes in Peer Banks:

HDFC Bank, India’s largest private sector lender, has received the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) approval to acquire up to a 9.5% stake in Kotak Mahindra Bank, AU Small Finance Bank, and Capital Small Finance Bank. This strategic move is facilitated through its group entities, including HDFC Mutual Fund, HDFC Life Insurance, HDFC ERGO General Insurance, and HDFC Pension Fund Management.

West Bengal Wins 33rd Santosh Trophy Title:

The Santosh Trophy, India’s premier football competition for state teams, continues to showcase the nation’s football talent and historical rivalries. In the 2024 edition, West Bengal reaffirmed its dominance by securing a record-extending 33rd title with a narrow 1-0 victory over Kerala in the final.Held at Gachibowli Stadium, the match saw Robi Hansda score the winning goal in added time, cementing his position as the tournament’s top scorer.

PM Modi Inaugurates Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The event, organized by the Department of Financial Services and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), aims to enhance rural infrastructure, promote self-reliance, and foster innovation within rural communities.