10-January-2025-Daily-Current-Affairs

GENOME INDIA PROJECT: A MILESTONE IN GENETIC RESEARCH

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU

India has launched the ‘Genome India’ database, a comprehensive collection of 10,000 human genomes from 83 population groups. This initiative aims to facilitate research into genetic diseases, precision medicine, and biotechnology.

Key Highlights of the Genome India Project

Overview of the Genome Database

• The project represents around 2% of India’s 4,600 population groups, with data stored at the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) in Faridabad.
• It identifies approximately 27 million rare genetic variants, with 7 million being unique to India and absent in global databases.

Objectives of the Project

• Disease Research: Focused on studying genetic causes of diseases to advance precision medicine.
• Drug Development: Offers insights into drug therapy tailored to genetic profiles.
• Global Accessibility: Researchers worldwide can access the database after approval and adherence to privacy policies.

Key Features

• Population groups are numerically coded instead of being classified by caste or tribe, ensuring privacy.
• The project opens avenues for targeted clinical interventions and improved healthcare outcomes.

Future Prospects

• There are plans to expand the database to include one million genomes, enhancing understanding of India’s genetic diversity.
• This will strengthen India’s biotechnology economy and foster innovation in genetic research and manufacturing.

Conclusion
The Genome India Project marks a historic step in utilizing genetic information for healthcare and biotechnology. It paves the way for advancements in precision medicine and sets a foundation for understanding India’s unique genetic diversity.

Prelims Practice Question

With reference to the Genome India Project, consider the following statements:

1. The project aims to map the genetic diversity of the Indian population to better understand the link between genes and diseases.
2. It is implemented by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Technology.
3. The project contributes to global research by creating a comprehensive genetic database of underrepresented populations.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only

Explanation:

The Genome India Project seeks to map the genetic diversity of India’s population to study the correlation between genes and diseases, aiding in precision medicine and healthcare advancements.

The project is spearheaded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the Ministry of Science and Technology, not the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

By focusing on India’s diverse population, the project will provide valuable insights into underrepresented genetic data, contributing significantly to global genomic research.

DUAL CITIZENSHIP IN INDIA:

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

India has a firm stance on single citizenship to ensure undivided loyalty to the nation. Recent discussions on granting dual citizenship to Indians living abroad have sparked debates about its feasibility and implications.

Key Definitions and Context

• Non-Resident Indians (NRIs): Hold Indian passports and retain all rights of Indian citizens except voting rights abroad. Provisions exist for NRIs to register and vote in their constituencies.
• Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs): Not Indian citizens and lack political rights. PIO cards were replaced by Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards, offering no additional political privileges.

Challenges of Dual Citizenship

• Political Loyalty: Dual citizenship implies divided allegiance, raising concerns over loyalty in governance. Political rights, such as voting, could be misused by individuals with obligations to multiple nations.
• Constitutional Framework: Article 5 of the Constitution defines citizenship strictly. Dual citizenship would require significant legal and constitutional amendments.
• Precedents from Other Countries: Nations like the U.S. disallow foreign-born individuals from holding top offices. This highlights the global emphasis on singular national loyalty in governance.

Concerns Over Populism

• Diaspora Influence: The diaspora significantly contributes to bilateral relations and investments.

• However, granting dual citizenship might empower them to influence domestic political decisions disproportionately.

• Instrumental Citizenship Risks: Individuals might exploit dual citizenship for personal or economic gains, undermining India’s sovereignty.

Way Forward

• Strengthening Diaspora Role: Instead of dual citizenship, encourage diaspora contributions in trade, technology, and diplomacy.
• Maintaining Political Sovereignty: Safeguard India’s political integrity by adhering to single citizenship principles.

CITIZENSHIP PROVISIONS IN THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION

The provisions related to citizenship in India are outlined in Part II (Articles 5-11) of the Indian Constitution.

Article 5 – Citizenship at the Commencement of the Constitution

• This article provides the criteria for determining who is a citizen of India at the time the Constitution came into force (26th January 1950).
• A person could be considered a citizen if they were born in India, had Indian parents, or had a connection with the territory of India.

Article 6 – Rights of Citizenship of Certain Persons Who Have Migrated to Pakistan

• This article applies to individuals who migrated to Pakistan during or after the partition in 1947.
• It grants citizenship to persons who, before the partition, were domiciled in India and later migrated to Pakistan but later returned to India.

Article 7 – Rights of Citizenship of Certain Persons Who Have Migrated from India to Pakistan

• It grants citizenship to persons who migrated from India to Pakistan and later returned to India under certain conditions.
• Such people are considered citizens if they fulfill the requirements under this provision.

Article 8 – Citizenship of Certain Persons of Indian Origin Residing Outside India

• This article deals with persons of Indian origin who are residing outside India.
• It grants citizenship to those who are citizens of countries specified by Parliament but also fulfill the conditions laid down in the law.

Article 9 – Persons Voluntarily Acquiring Citizenship of a Foreign State

• A person who voluntarily acquires the citizenship of another country will lose Indian citizenship.
• It deals with renunciation of Indian citizenship due to foreign citizenship.

Article 10 – Continuance of the Rights of Citizenship

• This article ensures that every person who is a citizen of India will continue to be a citizen of India.
• It guarantees that the government will not arbitrarily remove a person’s citizenship.

Article 11 – Parliament to Regulate the Right of Citizenship by Law

• This article empowers Parliament to make laws regarding the acquisition, termination, and determination of citizenship.
• It allows Parliament to regulate the conditions under which Indian citizenship can be obtained or revoked.

Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), 2019

• The CAA introduced provisions to grant citizenship to non-Muslim refugees (Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians) from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Conclusion
While the Indian diaspora plays a vital role in global diplomacy, granting dual citizenship could pose significant challenges to political sovereignty and national unity.

Practice Question

With reference to dual citizenship in the Indian Constitution, consider the following statements:

1. The Indian Constitution explicitly provides for dual citizenship under Article 5.
2. Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status grants political rights, such as the right to vote, in India.
3. A person automatically loses Indian citizenship upon acquiring citizenship of another country.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 2 and 3 only

Answer: (b) 3 only

Explanation:

The Indian Constitution does not allow for dual citizenship. Article 5 only defines citizenship for individuals at the commencement of the Constitution.

OCI status does not grant political rights, including the right to vote or contest elections.

Under Indian law, acquiring citizenship of another country automatically leads to the loss of Indian citizenship.

EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS AND INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE HIMALAYAN REGION

TOPIC: (GS3) DISASTER MANAGEMENT: THE HINDU

Earthquakes in the Himalayan region pose a severe threat due to the area’s tectonic activity and fragile ecosystem. Effective infrastructure planning and adherence to building codes are crucial to mitigate potential damage.

Key Points

Recent Earthquake and Its Impact

• A 7.1 magnitude earthquake in Tibet caused significant damage, with tremors felt in Nepal, Bihar, and Delhi.
• It resulted in over 100 deaths and damaged buildings, highlighting the region’s vulnerability.
• Aftershocks followed the main quake, increasing the risk of further destruction.

Causes of Earthquakes in the Himalayas

• The collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates led to the formation of the Himalayas.
• Fault lines created by this interaction store latent energy, which releases during earthquakes.
• Seismologists estimate an 8-magnitude earthquake is overdue in the Garhwal-Kumaon range, posing a severe risk.

Challenges in Earthquake Prediction

• While fault patterns and past quakes indicate potential risks, predicting the exact time and day is beyond current scientific capabilities.
• Mitigation strategies focus on reducing potential damage rather than preventing quakes.

Importance of Safe Infrastructure

• Infrastructure projects like dams and power plants in the Himalayas must account for earthquake risks.
• Landslides, glacial lake outbursts, and recurrent tremors underscore the region’s fragility.
• Adherence to building codes in the Himalayan and Indo-Gangetic plains is essential for damage control.

Conclusion
Planning resilient infrastructure and enforcing existing safety regulations are vital to limiting the impact of inevitable earthquakes, especially in seismically active zones like the Himalayas.

Practice Question

With reference to earthquake-prone zones in India, consider the following statements:

1. The Indian subcontinent is divided into four seismic zones based on the level of seismic risk.
2. The Himalayan region is classified as Zone II due to its low seismic activity.
3. The Peninsular Plateau is less prone to earthquakes compared to the Himalayan belt.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only

Explanation:

India is divided into four seismic zones (Zone II, Zone III, Zone IV, and Zone V), with Zone V being the most seismically active and Zone II being the least.

The Himalayan region is classified as Zone IV or Zone V, indicating high to very high seismic activity due to tectonic movements along the Indian and Eurasian plate boundaries.

The Peninsular Plateau is relatively stable and less prone to earthquakes compared to the tectonically active Himalayan belt. However, certain areas like the Koyna region have experienced seismic activity due to human-induced factors.

ACCESSIBILITY RULES: A NEED FOR PRINCIPLE-BASED GUIDELINES

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

The Supreme Court in the Rajive Raturi v. Union of India (2024) case highlighted the inadequacies in the accessibility rules under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. The judgment stressed the need for clear, mandatory, and principle-based accessibility guidelines for inclusivity.

Key Issues with Rule 15 of RPwD Rules, 2017

• Violation of RPwD Act, 2016: Rule 15 was deemed discretionary, conflicting with the mandatory provisions (Sections 40, 44, 45, 46, 89) of the Act.
• Loss of Statutory Authority: Striking down Rule 15 invalidated accessibility guidelines notified by various ministries, such as transport and urban development.
• Need for Mandatory Standards: The Court mandated the government to draft minimum accessibility requirements within three months.

Understanding Accessibility and Reasonable Accommodation

• Accessibility: It is a fundamental right under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and focuses on universal standards to eliminate barriers.
• Reasonable Accommodation: Addresses specific needs in unique contexts to ensure equality.
• Interdependence: Accessibility provides a standard foundation, while reasonable accommodation tailors solutions for residual challenges.

Evolving Nature of Accessibility

• Technological Advancements: The rise of AI and IoT demands updated digital accessibility standards.
• Phased Realization: Accessibility must be implemented progressively, with periodic reviews to set higher benchmarks, as seen in Canada’s roadmap for full accessibility by 2040.
• Broad Definition of Barriers: The RPwD Act includes both tangible (e.g., infrastructure) and intangible (e.g., attitudes) barriers, requiring holistic solutions.

Challenges in Existing Rules

• Complexity and Overlap: Conflicting mandates from various ministries led to confusion, delays, and increased compliance costs.
• Need for Simplification: Rules should be easy to understand, practical, and overseen by a single nodal authority, such as the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Role of Social Audits

• Mandated by Section 48: Regular audits assess schemes for inclusivity and identify bottlenecks in service delivery.
• Current Gaps: Lack of standardised guidelines leads to inconsistencies in audits across states and insufficient training for auditors.
• Way Forward: Clear operational frameworks are required to enhance accountability and address evolving disability challenges.

Conclusion
The upcoming accessibility rules must address earlier shortcomings by focusing on clarity, universality, and phased progress. Aligning with the RPwD Act’s mandate, these guidelines can ensure inclusivity and tap into market potential by providing accessible services.

SECTION 152 OF BNS: A POTENTIAL PROXY FOR SEDITION

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) criminalizes acts threatening India’s sovereignty and unity. However, concerns have emerged about its potential misuse, raising fears of it being used as a substitute for the sedition law repealed earlier.

Key Concerns with Section 152 of BNS

Lack of Clear Definitions

• The law penalizes acts “endangering sovereignty, unity, and integrity,” but fails to define these terms.
• This vagueness allows for broad interpretations, potentially targeting legitimate dissent or criticism.
• Actions like criticizing historical or political figures could be construed as threats to unity.

Lower Threshold for Offence

• The inclusion of the word “knowingly” in the provision lowers the bar for criminal liability.
• Sharing social media content without malicious intent can still attract legal action if it is deemed to incite prohibited acts.
• The law does not require a proven causal link between speech and its consequences before arresting or prosecuting, increasing the risk of abuse.

Risk of Misuse and Chilling Effect

• Section 152, like its predecessor Section 124A of the IPC, is cognizable and non-bailable, making it prone to misuse.
• Data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) shows a history of low conviction rates under sedition laws despite frequent arrests.
• The vague provisions in Section 152 could suppress free speech and create a climate of fear.

Judicial Precedents and Safeguards

Balancing Free Speech and National Interest

• The Supreme Court has emphasized evaluating the consequences of speech rather than its content alone.
• For example, casual sloganeering without significant impact was not considered sedition in Balwant Singh v. State of Punjab (1995).

Need for Clear Guidelines

• The judiciary should frame explicit guidelines to interpret and apply Section 152, similar to guidelines on arrests in D.K. Basu v. State of West Bengal.
• These safeguards can help prevent misuse and ensure the provision is not weaponized against dissent.

The Way Forward

• Authorities should embrace the concept of a “marketplace of ideas,” allowing free expression and open debate.
• Enforcement must rely on established judicial interpretations to balance national security and democratic freedoms.
• The Supreme Court must prioritize providing clarity on Section 152’s application to safeguard against its misuse as a proxy for sedition laws.

Conclusion:
To preserve democracy, it is vital to ensure that laws like Section 152 are implemented with caution, respecting freedom of speech while addressing legitimate threats to national integrity.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES 2025: CAUSES AND SEVERITY

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU

Southern California is grappling with devastating wildfires in winter 2025, causing loss of life, mass evacuations, and destruction of property. Unusual weather patterns, strong winds, and climate change have amplified the scale and intensity of these blazes.

Key Wildfires and Impact

• Areas like Hollywood Hills are severely affected.
• Over 130,000 people evacuated, five fatalities reported, and homes of several celebrities destroyed.
• The Oscars nominations announcement has been postponed due to the fire.

Why Are the Fires So Severe?

Unusual Weather Patterns

• Wet winters followed by dry conditions: The winters of 2022 and 2023 were exceptionally wet, leading to abundant vegetation growth.

• The current winter is extremely dry, causing vegetation to dry out and become fuel for wildfires.

• Record-breaking dryness: Southern California has seen its driest start to the water year (since October 2024), with areas like Los Angeles Airport recording negligible rainfall.

Santa Ana Winds

• Characteristics: Seasonal winds originating from high-pressure areas in the Great Basin.

• These winds are dry, warm, and fast as they pass over mountain ranges and descend toward the coast.

• Effect on wildfires: The winds spread flames rapidly across dry vegetation, power lines, and wooden structures.

Role of Climate Change

• Longer wildfire seasons: Studies show California’s fire season has lengthened over the past two decades, with peak periods shifting earlier.
• Warmer conditions: Rising global temperatures have led to warmer springs and summers, early snowmelts, and extended dry seasons.
• Increased intensity: Climate change has amplified the frequency and intensity of wildfires, creating ideal conditions for such disasters.

Wildfires:

Wildfires are uncontrolled fires that spread rapidly across vegetation, often fuelled by dry conditions, wind, and flammable material such as trees, grass, and shrubs.

• They can occur naturally, due to lightning or volcanic activity, but human activities such as campfires, discarded cigarettes, and arson can also cause them.
• Wildfires are characterized by their ability to quickly grow and spread, threatening lives, property, and ecosystems.

Major Occurrences of Wildfires in Recent Times:

Australia (2019-2020 – Black Summer Fires):

• One of the most devastating wildfire seasons in Australian history.
• It affected large parts of New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland.
• The fires killed 33 people, destroyed over 3,500 homes, and burned millions of hectares of land.
• The impact on wildlife was severe, with an estimated 3 billion animals affected.

United States (California Wildfires, 2020):

• In 2020, California experienced its largest wildfire season in recorded history, with more than 4 million acres burned.
• Major fires like the August Complex fire and Bobcat Fire caused widespread destruction.
• Over 10,000 structures were destroyed, and several lives were lost.
• The fires were exacerbated by extreme drought conditions and high temperatures.

Amazon Rainforest Fires (2019):

• Fires in the Amazon rainforest, primarily in Brazil, surged in 2019.
• Large areas of the rainforest, often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth,” were affected.
• These fires sparked global concern due to the environmental impact on biodiversity and climate change, as the Amazon plays a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide.

Conclusion:

The Southern California wildfires in 2025 highlight the devastating interplay of weather anomalies, natural wind patterns, and the worsening effects of climate change. Proactive measures are essential to mitigate such disasters in the future.

DECODING INDIA’S GROWTH SLOWDOWN

TOPIC: (GS3) INDIAN ECONOMY: INDIAN EXPRESS

India’s projected GDP growth for 2024-25 has been revised downward to 6.4%, reflecting a deeper economic slowdown. Addressing revenue mobilisation and boosting public spending are critical to reversing this trend.

Key Highlights

Decline in GDP Growth Rate

• Real GDP growth for 2024-25 is estimated at 6.4%, down from 8.2% in 2023-24.
• This figure is lower than the 6.5%-7% range forecasted in the Economic Survey 2023-24.
• Nominal GDP growth is projected at 9.7%, falling short of the 10.5% projected in the last Union Budget.

Data Discrepancies in GDP Estimates

• The GDP deflator, based on a mix of wholesale (WPI) and retail (CPI) price indices, has shown high volatility.
• In 2023-24, a sharp drop in WPI inflation to -0.7% led to discrepancies between nominal and real GDP estimates.
• These inconsistencies hinder accurate analysis and lead to policy errors.

Private Investment Challenges

• Despite tax cuts in 2019, private corporate investments remain sluggish.
• Real gross fixed capital formation growth has declined from 9% in 2023-24 to 6.4% in 2024-25.
• Investment under the UPA (2004-05 to 2013-14) grew at an annual average of 10%, significantly higher than the 6.3% during the NDA regime before the pandemic.

Sectoral Slowdown

• Growth in agriculture, manufacturing, and services like transport, communications, and real estate has slowed.
• Public spending in sectors like defence and administration is the only area showing growth.

Fiscal Challenges

• The Union Government has met 78% of its non-tax revenue targets due to surplus transfers from the RBI.
• However, only 56% of budgeted net tax revenues were mobilised by November 2024, impacting capital expenditure.
• Adhering to fiscal consolidation may further reduce public spending, worsening the slowdown.

Way Forward

• Revising revenue strategies: Increase taxes on wealth and corporate profits.
• Boosting public spending: Enhance investment in infrastructure and welfare to stimulate growth.
• Improving data accuracy: Transition to the Producer Price Index (PPI) for more reliable GDP estimates.

Conclusion:
India’s growth slowdown underscores the need for policy adjustments, prioritising accurate data, revenue reforms, and public spending to drive sustainable economic recovery.

Z-MORH TUNNEL:

The Z-Morh tunnel, an important infrastructure project in Kashmir, is set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 13. This tunnel is a crucial step in creating a year-round connectivity route between Kashmir and Ladakh, ensuring accessibility despite harsh weather conditions.

Key Features of the Z-Morh Tunnel:

Strategic Importance:

• The Z-Morh tunnel is located in Ganderbal district and plays a vital role in maintaining connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh.
• It ensures that the region remains accessible throughout the year, even during winters when heavy snowfall and avalanches previously blocked the road to Sonamarg.

Tourism Benefits:

• One of the key benefits of the tunnel is that it will keep the popular tourist destination of Sonamarg open year-round.
• Before the tunnel, Sonamarg would often be cut off from the rest of Kashmir due to harsh winter conditions, affecting the tourism industry.

Security Measures:

• Ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit, a comprehensive security assessment was carried out to ensure safety.
• Increased security and additional checkpoints have been set up across Srinagar and other areas in the Valley.

Economic Impact:

• The tunnel’s completion is expected to boost winter tourism in Kashmir, with hoteliers noting the importance of having Sonamarg open during the winter season.
• This infrastructure project is expected to help drive tourism and economic growth in the region, benefiting local businesses.

Conclusion:
The Z-Morh tunnel is a significant development for Kashmir, as it ensures uninterrupted connectivity to Ladakh and opens up new tourism possibilities in the winter months. Its completion is expected to boost the local economy and enhance the region’s infrastructure.