Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 9th January 2025

Sonobuoys : For Undersea Domain Awareness

India and the U.S. recently announced cooperation on the co-production of U.S. sonobuoys for Undersea Domain Awareness (UDA) for the Indian Navy, a high-end technology that allows tracking submarines in the deep seas and oceans.

• Sonobuoys are expendable, electro-mechanical acoustic sensors that relay underwater sounds emitted from ships and submarines.
• They help in the detection, classification, and prosecution of adversarial ships and submarines.
• A naval helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft generally drops sonobuoys in a pattern.
• They are dropped in canisters and are deployed automatically upon impact with water.
• An inflatable system with a radio transmitter remains on the surface for communication with the ship or aircraft tracking it while sensors descend below the surface to a predetermined depth.
• It then relays acoustic information back to those monitoring them.
• A group of sonobuoys deployed in a pattern can find out the exact location of the submarine, which then can be tracked by other systems.
• Some sonobuoys are designed to be deployed in passive mode and some in active mode.
• Active sonobuoys emit sound energy and receive the echo, based on which they transmit information back to the aircraft.
• Passive sonobuoys, on the other hand, only listen for sounds coming from ships or submarines. They then transmit the sound back to the aircraft.
• There are also Special Purpose buoys that provide information about the environment, such as water temperature, ambient noise level, etc.
• A typical sonobuoy consists of a cylindrical or spherical buoyant housing, sensors for detecting acoustic signals, a battery or power source, and a radio transmitter or other communication system to relay data to the host platform (e.g., aircraft or ship).
• In addition to anti-submarine warfare, they are used for scientific research and environmental studies, including studying the behavior of whales and other marine creatures.

UJALA Scheme : Completed a Decade

The Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA) scheme, launched in 2015, has completed a decade with the distribution of 36.87 crore LED bulbs, resulting in ₹19,153 crore in annual electricity savings, according to official data released by the Ministry of Power.

• In 2015, the Indian government introduced the UJALA scheme, which is also known as the LED-based Domestic Efficient Lighting Programme (DELP), to promote energy efficiency in all households.
• The UJALA scheme is the world’s largest zero-subsidy LED lamp distribution scheme.
• It is implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) under the Ministry of Power.
• Through the UJALA scheme, the government aims to save 85 lakh kWh of electricity and 15,000 tonnes of CO2 by replacing 77 crore traditional bulbs & CFLs and 3.5 crore streetlights with LEDs.
• Every domestic household having a metered connection from their respective Electricity Distribution Company is eligible to get the LED bulbs under the UJALA Scheme.
• The consumer can purchase the LED on EMI payment (monthly/bimonthly instalments in the electricity bill) or on upfront payment by paying the full amount.
• As part of its inclusive growth strategy to enable growth in lower-income communities, EESL has also enrolled Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for the distribution of LED bulbs under the UJALA programme.
• The annual energy savings from the scheme stand at 47,883 million kWh, with a reduction in peak demand by 9,586 MW and an annual reduction of 3.87 crore tonnes in carbon dioxide emissions.
• These savings were achieved through e-procurement and bulk purchasing, which allowed LED bulbs to be made affordable for millions of households.
• UJALA succeeded in bringing down the retail price of LED bulbs from INR 300-350 per bulb to INR 70-80 per bulb.

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023:

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued directives to all states and Union Territories (UTs) for implementing Section 479 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023.

• Section 479 of BNSS, 2023 Provides relief to undertrial prisoners by mandating their release on bail or bond under certain conditions.
• Key Provisions:
  • Subsection (1): Under trail prisoners (UTPs) who have served half the maximum sentence prescribed for the offense (except those punishable by death or life imprisonment) shall be released on bail. For first-time offenders, UTPs serving one-third of the maximum sentence are eligible for release on bond.
  • Subsection (3): Makes it mandatory for prison superintendents to file applications in the concerned court for the release of eligible prisoners.
  • Superintendent of Jail Responsibility: Ensure timely application for bail or bond to the court for eligible prisoners.

Umred-Pauni-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary : In News

The Bombay High Court has taken a dim view of an incident where safari vehicles carrying tourists obstructed the movement of a tigress and her cubs in Maharashtra’s Umred-Pauni-Karhandla Sanctuary on New Year’s Eve.

• Umred-Pauni-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over Pauni tehsil in Bhandara district and Umred, Kuhi, and Bhivapur Taluka of Nagpur district in Maharashtra.
• It was established in 2013 and is spread across an area of 189 sq. km.
• The Wainganga River and the Gose Khurd Dam lie along the northeast boundaries of the sanctuary, while State Highway 9 and Bhiwapur Town bound the southern side.
• The forest along the Wainganga River connects this sanctuary to the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve.
• It lies 80 km from Pench Tiger Reserve and 50 kilometers southwest of Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary.
• The forest is made up of teak, bamboo, tendu, mahua, and other indigenous tree species.
• Teak makes up 60 percent of the crop composition.
• The sanctuary is home to resident breeding tigers, herds of Gaur, wild dogs, and also rare animals like flying squirrels, pangolins, and honey badgers.

Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary : Tiger Born

A male tiger, born in the Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in Yavatmal, has travelled an unusual 500 kilometres, reaching Solapur district of Maharashtra.

• Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the district of Yavatmal,Maharashtra.
• There are plenty of rivers such as Purna, Krishna, Bhima and Tapti irrigate the sanctuary from entire angles. Having lots of water from all these rivers, it is also popularly known as Green Oasis located in Southern Maharashtra.
• This area is completely a basalt area that is constructed by the blast of lava a century back
• The place is quite hilly and undulated and thus has different types of vegetation cover that varies with the altitude.
• It consists of wealthy flora such as herbs, grasses, bamboo forests.
• The place shelters a wide array of animals that include Hyena, Chital, Black buck, Sambar, Jackal, Wild boar, Peacock, Monkey, Blue bull, Wild cat, Bear and many more.

Toda Tribe : Modhweth Festival

The Toda tribe residing in the Nilgiris Hills of Tamil Nadu, celebrated their traditional ‘Modhweth’ festival to mark the New Year.

• It is one of the oldest ethnic groups residing in the Nilgiris Hills in Tamil Nadu.
• It is divided into five clans, namely: Paiki, Pekkan, Kuttan, Kenna and Todi.
• Language: They have their own language, without a script.
• They live in a closed community or hamlet called mund.
• It is a patrilineage descent group whose membership is based upon a rule of patrilineal descent.
• Their community is divided into two endogamous groups, namely Tharthazoll and Theveioll.
• To maintain the social harmony or solidarity among the Toda tribal population of Todas are controlled for many generations by their own traditional Government called ‘Noim’.
• This Noim is headed by a Toda tribal head-man is called Monegar.
• He has the full power to control the Todas and he also dispenses justice in the Toda community
• This tribe is largely dependent on buffalo herding and embroidery for its livelihood.
• Its members are incredibly skilled artisans known for the red-and-black embroidery on white fabrics that has even earned them a GI (geographical indication) tag.
• They celebrate ‘Modhweth’ festival, which is also called buffalo festival every year during the last Sunday of December or on the first Sunday of January.

AI Deepfakes And Women : Concern

AI-generated deepfake technology is increasingly being weaponized against women, particularly female politicians, to tarnish reputations and deter them from public life.Azma Bukhari (Pakistan) faced public humiliation due to deepfake videos. Fear of harassment discourages women’s political participation, threatening gender equality in governance.Deepfakes enable blackmail and spread disinformation, as seen in culturally sensitive cases like Meena Majeed (Pakistan). Women without resources, unlike U.S. Congress members, struggle to have fake content removed.

Tidal Tail:

Astronomers have discovered the longest tidal tail ever observed, spanning 1.27 million light-years from the galaxy NGC 3785 in the Leo constellation.A tidal tail is a long, thin stream of stars and interstellar gas formed due to gravitational interactions between galaxies.Gravitational forces during close encounters or mergers between galaxies strip material (stars, gas, and dust) from their outer regions, creating two tidal tails—one leading and one trailing.

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) marked its 78th Foundation Day:

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) commemorated its 78th Foundation Day, underscoring its dedication to quality and innovation. Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and New & Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, emphasized that quality is not merely a measure but a way of life that drives trust, progress, and innovation.

Establishment of a memorial for former President Pranab Mukherjee at the Rashtriya Smriti Sthal:

The Central Government has decided to set up a memorial for former President Pranab Mukherjee at the Rashtriya Smriti Sthal, part of the Rajghat precinct in Delhi. Mukherjee, who passed away on August 31, 2020, was a veteran Congress leader and the 13th President of India. His daughter, Sharmistha Mukherjee, expressed her gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this unexpected gesture. The memorial will be a tribute.

e-Shram Portal Expands to 22 Scheduled Languages:

The e-Shram portal, designed to provide unorganised workers with seamless access to various government schemes, has been upgraded to support all 22 scheduled languages. This enhancement, launched by Union Minister of Labour and Employment Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, aims to make the portal more accessible to workers across India.

Indonesia has joined BRICS as a full member:

Indonesia has officially become a full member (11th) of the BRICS group of emerging economies. Brazil, holding the presidency of BRICS for 2025, announced this development, noting that Indonesia’s candidacy was endorsed by BRICS leaders at the Johannesburg summit in 2023. Indonesia’s membership aligns with the ongoing efforts to reform global governance institutions and deepen cooperation within the Global South, key priorities for Brazil’s BRICS presidency.

Bahadur Singh Sagoo Elected as AFI President:

Asian Games gold medalist and Padma Shri awardee Bahadur Singh Sagoo has been elected unanimously as the new president of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI). His election took place during the two-day Annual General Meeting in Chandigarh. Sagoo, who won gold in shot put at the 2002 Asian Games, takes over from outgoing president Adille Sumariwalla, who stepped down after serving three consecutive terms.

Indusfood 2025:

Indusfood 2025, Asia’s premier food and beverage trade exhibition, will be held from January 8-10, 2025, at Greater Noida, India. The event, organized by the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI) in collaboration with the Department of Commerce, is set to feature over 2,300 exhibitors from 30+ countries and attract 7,500 international buyers, along with 15,000 Indian trade visitors.

India’s fiscal deficit target of 4.9%:

Despite a downward revision in India’s GDP growth forecast for the fiscal year 2024-25, the government’s fiscal deficit target of 4.9% of GDP remains attainable. The National Statistics Office (NSO) has projected a nominal GDP growth of 9.7% for FY25, slightly below the earlier estimate of 10.5%.

Shahid Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Scheme:

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the Shahid Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Scheme at the Adivasi Mela in Bhubaneswar. This initiative aims to reduce dropout rates among Scheduled Tribe (ST) students by providing a one-time financial assistance of ₹5,000 to those enrolling in Class IX and Class XI. The scheme targets students from families with an annual income not exceeding ₹2,50,000.