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25-January-2025-Daily-Current-Affairs

January 25 @ 7:00 am - 11:30 pm

ODISHA LEADS NITI AAYOG’S FISCAL HEALTH INDEX 2022-23

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

NITI Aayog released its first-ever Fiscal Health Index (FHI) report, ranking Indian states on key parameters such as fiscal stability, revenue mobilization, expenditure quality, and debt management for the financial year 2022-23. Odisha emerged as the top performer, showcasing remarkable fiscal discipline and management.

Highlights of the Fiscal Health Index

Top-Performing States: Achievers

  • Leading States: Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Goa, and Jharkhand were categorized as “Achievers.”

Odisha’s Performance:

  • Scored the highest FHI score of 8, demonstrating strong debt management and fiscal discipline.
  • Maintained a capital outlay of up to 4% of its Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP).
  • Showed effective non-tax revenue mobilization.
  • Achieved a revenue surplus and kept interest payments within 7% of revenue receipts.

Front-Runners and Performers

  • Front-Runners: States like Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka excelled in:
  • High developmental spending (up to 73% of total expenditure).
  • Steady growth in own tax revenues.
  • Debt sustainability with a debt-to-GSDP ratio of 24%.
  • Performers: Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Haryana achieved moderate fiscal health.

Aspirational States: Struggling States

  • Kerala, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and Punjab were categorized as “Aspirational” due to fiscal challenges:
  • Low revenue generation.
  • Increasing debt burdens with poor sustainability.
  • Struggled to meet fiscal deficit and revenue deficit targets.

Odisha’s Exceptional Fiscal Strengths

  • Ranked highest in debt index (score: 99.0) and debt sustainability (score: 64.0).
  • Maintained a low fiscal deficit with robust debt management.
  • Capital outlay to GSDP ratio remained above the national average, ensuring productive investment.

Long-Term Trends (2014-15 to 2021-22)

  • States with the highest average FHI scores over this period included Odisha, Goa, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh.
  • The data for the report was sourced from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports, ensuring accuracy.

Conclusion

The Fiscal Health Index highlights the diverse fiscal performances of Indian states, with Odisha setting an example in fiscal prudence and sustainable debt management.

BOMBAY HIGH COURT ON LOUDSPEAKERS AND NOISE POLLUTION

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

The Bombay High Court ruled that the use of loudspeakers is not an essential religious practice protected under the Constitution. The court emphasized strict enforcement of noise pollution laws to balance religious freedoms with public welfare.

Noise Pollution Laws and Key Observations

  • Regulations on Noise Levels: As per the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000:
  • Residential areas must maintain noise levels within 55 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night.
  • The HC stated that the combined sound levels of all loudspeakers in an area should be evaluated for compliance.
  • Focus on Enforcement: The court stressed the strict and uniform implementation of noise pollution regulations by authorities.
  • It underlined the importance of protecting complainants’ identities to avoid potential retaliation.

Directions Issued by the Bombay High Court

  • Uniform Enforcement of Rules: Authorities must implement noise pollution laws equally, without exceptions.
  • Mechanisms such as automatic decibel calibration in loudspeakers and mobile apps to monitor noise levels were recommended.
  • Graded Penalty System for Violations:
    • First Violation: Warning issued to offenders.
    • Second Violation: Imposition of fines on trusts or organizations responsible.
    • Further Offenses: Seizure of loudspeakers.
    • Repeated Violations: Cancellation of licenses and legal action.

Reference to Past Judgments

  • The HC referred to its 2016 ruling in Dr. Mahesh Vijay Bedekar v. Maharashtra, which stated that:
  • Loudspeakers are not integral to any religion.
  • Restrictions on loudspeakers during 10 PM to 6 AM were upheld, with limited exemptions for specific cultural or religious events.
  • Noise regulations were strictly enforced in silence zones.

Ensuring Compliance and Public Welfare

  • The state must regulate noise pollution while respecting religious freedoms and constitutional provisions.
  • Emphasis was placed on creating systems that protect individuals’ rights to a peaceful environment.
  • Recommendations included modernizing monitoring systems and ensuring accountability in managing loudspeaker usage.

Conclusion

The Bombay High Court’s ruling highlights the need to balance individual rights with collective welfare. By enforcing noise pollution laws and addressing misuse of loudspeakers, authorities can safeguard both constitutional principles and public harmony.

PRALAY MISSILE

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will present “Pralay,” India’s first quasi-ballistic missile for conventional strikes, during the Republic Day parade, demonstrating India’s advancing military technology.

Key Features of the Pralay Missile

Type and Design:

  • Pralay is a short-range quasi-ballistic missile developed indigenously by DRDO.
  • It is India’s first ballistic missile designed specifically for conventional warfare.

Range and Deployment:

  • The missile has an operational range of 400 kilometers, making it suitable for tactical missions.
  • It is intended for deployment along critical borders, including the Line of Control (LoC) and the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Development Status:

  • Extensive trials have been completed, proving its reliability.
  • The missile has received the Defence Ministry’s Acceptance of Necessity, paving the way for integration into India’s defence arsenal.

Strategic Importance

  • Enhanced Strike Capabilities: Pralay joins BrahMos and Prahar missiles, strengthening India’s arsenal for stand-off strikes.
  • Its ability to deliver precise conventional strikes adds versatility to India’s military capabilities.
  • Focus on Indigenous Technology: The development of Pralay reflects India’s commitment to achieving self-reliance in defence production under initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat.
  • Operational Utility: The missile’s design and range make it a valuable asset for responding to regional security challenges effectively.

Conclusion

The introduction of Pralay underscores India’s progress in missile technology, boosting its tactical strike capabilities and reinforcing national security. Its showcasing at the Republic Day parade highlights the nation’s defence innovation and preparedness.

ATTENTION-DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD)

TOPIC: (GS3) HEALTH: THE HINDU

ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder, often diagnosed in childhood, but its symptoms frequently persist into adulthood. A recent UK study highlights a connection between ADHD and reduced life expectancy due to associated health and behavioural risks.

About ADHD

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder commonly identified in childhood. It can lead to difficulty in paying attention, controlling impulsive actions, and hyperactivity.

Diagnosis and Persistence:

  • ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood but may continue into adulthood if untreated.
  • Adults with undiagnosed ADHD may face challenges in work, relationships, and daily functioning.

Treatment Options:

  • ADHD treatment usually involves a combination of behavioural therapy and medications.
  • Adderall, containing dextroamphetamine and amphetamine, is a common FDA-approved medication for ADHD and narcolepsy (a sleep disorder).

Study Overview

  • Methodology: Researchers analysed data from over 30,000 adults with ADHD and 300,000 non-ADHD individuals in the UK.
  • The study used mortality statistics to compare life expectancy between these groups.

Key Findings:

  • ADHD was linked to shorter life expectancy, though not directly caused by the condition.
  • Health Issues: Higher rates of physical and mental illnesses.
  • Risky Behaviours: Increased likelihood of smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, binge eating, and unsafe driving.
  • Suicide Risk: Elevated rates of suicide among individuals with ADHD.

Comparative Evidence:

  • A 2019 study found that children with ADHD had an 4-year shorter life expectancy when tracked into adulthood.
  • Contributing factors included:
  • Impulsivity-related risks, such as accidents.
  • Socioeconomic challenges, such as lower income and poor nutrition.

Implications and Insights

  • Awareness and Diagnosis: Early diagnosis and management of ADHD are crucial to reducing associated health and behavioural risks. Many adults remain undiagnosed, worsening their challenges.
  • Addressing Contributing Factors: Targeted interventions, such as healthcare support, behavioural therapy, and community awareness, can mitigate risky behaviours’ and mental health challenges.
  • Importance of Long-Term Care: Effective long-term strategies can significantly improve the quality of life and life expectancy for individuals with ADHD.

Conclusion

ADHD impacts various aspects of life, from health to behaviour, with potential long-term risks like reduced life expectancy. Greater focus on early diagnosis, targeted treatment, and support systems is essential for addressing these challenges.

TAMIL NADU’S IRON AGE ORIGINS PUSH GLOBAL TIMELINES BACK BY 2,000 YEARS

TOPIC: (GS1) HISTORY AND CULTURE: INDIAN EXPRESS

A recent study has unveiled that the use of iron in Tamil Nadu dates back to the 4th millennium BCE, pushing the global timeline of iron technology back by almost 2,000 years. These findings position Tamil Nadu as a significant player in the history of metallurgy.

Key Discoveries and Dates

Earliest Evidence of Iron Use:

  • Sivagalai site revealed the earliest evidence, with charcoal and potsherds dated to around 3345 BCE.
  • This date challenges previous assumptions about the timeline of iron usage globally.

Milestone Sites in Tamil Nadu:

  • Mayiladumparai: Samples from this site were dated to 2172 BCE, showcasing early iron usage.
  • Kilnamandi: A burial site here was dated to 1692 BCE, adding to the evidence of ancient metallurgy in the region.

Technological Advancements

Innovative Iron-Smelting Techniques:

  • Sites like Kodumanal revealed the use of circular furnaces capable of reaching temperatures of 1,300°C, which allowed for the production of sponge iron.
  • This innovation marks a significant advancement in ancient iron production.

Metallurgical Expertise:

  • The advanced techniques used for high-temperature smelting (between 1,200°C and 1,400°C) indicate a sophisticated understanding of pyro-technology.
  • Such expertise highlights Tamil Nadu’s role in early metallurgical developments.

Implications for Archaeology

A Parallel Development:

  • The Iron Age in Tamil Nadu coincided with the Copper Age in northern India, showing a unique but parallel development of metallurgical practices.
  • This challenges prior assumptions about the origins of iron technology, previously believed to have originated primarily in the northern regions.

Global Impact:

  • These findings suggest that iron technology was in use much earlier than traditionally thought, potentially influencing global narratives of metallurgy.
  • The discovery also aligns with earlier reports of iron being found in Harappan sites, such as Lothal, expanding the timeline of early iron use across the Indian subcontinent.

Conclusion

The study’s findings redefine the understanding of iron metallurgy, positioning Tamil Nadu as a pioneer in the development of iron technology, thereby reshaping global historical timelines.

FOUNDATIONAL VALUES AND THE JOURNEY OF THE INDIAN STATE

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: INDIAN EXPRESS

India’s constitutional journey has faced numerous challenges, especially in balancing federalism, democracy, and safeguarding its foundational values. The Constitution, adopted in 1950, continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s development.

Importance of the Constitution

  • Adoption and Implementation: India’s Constitution was adopted after extensive discussions in the Constituent Assembly, with the Republic officially beginning on January 26, 1950.
  • B.R. Ambedkar, in his closing speech on November 25, 1949, highlighted the importance of prioritizing the nation’s interests over personal and community concerns.
  • Relevance Today: Dr. Ambedkar’s concerns about unity remain crucial as India progresses, reminding citizens and leaders of the importance of constitutional values.

Federalism and Constitutional Debates

  • Disputes and Tensions: Ongoing disputes between State governments and Governors have reached the Supreme Court, reflecting tensions in India’s federal structure.
  • Issues like simultaneous elections and regional language rights have sparked debates about federal principles.
  • Fiscal Federalism: The dual system of the Finance Commission and GST Act has caused friction between the Centre and States, leading to challenges in fiscal federalism.
  • The upcoming delimitation exercise may disrupt the Union-State balance, especially in States that have successfully controlled population growth.
  • Judicial Affirmations: Although the Constitution doesn’t use the word ‘federal,’ the S.R. Bommai vs Union of India (1994) case upheld federalism as part of the Constitution’s basic structure.

The Challenge of an Unequal Democracy

  • Inequality Threatening Democracy: Despite India’s commitment to the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity, economic and social inequalities continue to threaten its democratic fabric.
  • Laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act have raised concerns about authoritarianism.
  • Caste and Democracy: Ambedkar warned that caste-based inequality could destabilize democracy. While there have been social and political advances, caste remains a persistent challenge, influencing access to opportunities.

Safeguarding the Constitution

Threats to the Constitution:

  • Some propose replacing the Constitution with an Indic framework based on Hindu dharmic principles, undermining the democratic progress achieved over 75 years.
  • Instead of altering the Constitution, the focus should be on defending its core values and democratic principles.

The Role of Constitutional Guardians

Dr. Ambedkar’s Vision:

  • Ambedkar emphasized the need for individuals who prioritize the nation over personal or community interests to safeguard democracy.
  • Judges, politicians, activists, and citizens must uphold the Constitution’s ideals, ensuring its relevance and continuing impact.

Conclusion

India’s 75-year journey has been marked by progress and challenges in realizing the promises of the Constitution. Collective responsibility from all citizens and institutions is vital to ensure that democratic values remain safeguarded and strengthened.

BEYOND THE CHINA FACTOR

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

The visit of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to India signals a new phase in the bilateral relationship, focusing on strategic autonomy and expanded cooperation in various fields. This partnership aims to address global challenges while emphasizing a broader geopolitical approach.

Broadening Strategic Partnership

  • Prabowo’s visit is aimed at elevating Indonesia’s global presence, extending its influence beyond Southeast Asia (ASEAN).
  • His vision of strategic autonomy aligns with India’s foreign policy goals under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, providing a foundation for deeper collaboration.

Historical Foundation and Recent Developments

  • Building Diplomatic Ties: The groundwork for stronger India-Indonesia relations began during the second terms of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joko Widodo.
  • Regular consultations between the foreign ministers of both countries, S. Jaishankar and Retno Marsudi, have strengthened the diplomatic ties.
  • Momentum from G20 Presidencies: India and Indonesia’s leadership roles in the G20 in 2022 and 2023 provided a platform for intensified bilateral cooperation.

Navigating Global Challenges and Leadership Dynamics

  • Common Global Objectives: Despite occasional differences in voting patterns at international forums, both countries share a desire to enhance their global influence.
  • Prabowo’s alignment with Modi’s strategic vision presents an opportunity for more dynamic leadership interactions, surpassing the previous Modi-Jokowi relationship.
  • Foreign Minister Collaboration: Strengthening the relationship between External Affairs Minister Jaishankar and Indonesia’s new foreign minister Sugiono will be crucial for turning strategic ambitions into tangible results.

Leveraging BRICS for Strategic Influence

  • Indonesia’s Entry into BRICS: Indonesia’s inclusion in BRICS in 2023 provides an avenue for further cooperation, enhancing the group’s strategic weight on the global stage.
  • Despite economic ties with China, Indonesia’s independent foreign policy approach under Prabowo offers opportunities for nuanced cooperation, balancing regional dynamics.

Indo-Pacific and Maritime Cooperation

  • Indo-Pacific Engagement: The Indo-Pacific region is a key area for collaboration, with both nations working on shared maritime security issues.
  • Indonesia’s engagement with ASEAN’s Indo-Pacific Outlook (AOIP) complements India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), creating a platform for shared regional goals.
  • Joint Maritime Initiatives: By jointly promoting maritime resources under IPOI, India and Indonesia can spearhead a regional agenda that goes beyond ASEAN and supports a stable and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:

  1. Discuss the importance of enhancing India-Indonesia bilateral relations in light of the evolving geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region and multilateral frameworks such as BRICS and ASEAN. (150 Words / 10 Marks)

INDIA’S 75-YEAR JOURNEY

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

India’s 75-year journey since independence has seen remarkable progress in several sectors, yet there remain significant challenges. The journey from colonial rule to a growing democracy is marked by both achievements and the need for further reforms to ensure social justice and equality.

Post-Independence Transformation

  • India’s Constitution laid the foundation for a democratic society with universal adult franchise.
  • The nation transitioned from a history of sectarian violence to building democratic governance.
  • The promise of swaraj (self-rule) extended beyond political freedom to include social and economic justice.

Achievements in 75 Years

  • Life expectancy in India has risen from 32 years to 75 years, showcasing improvements in health.
  • Literacy rates have increased dramatically, from 12% to 75%, highlighting progress in education.
  • India has become a leading food grain producer, ensuring food security for its population.
  • Infrastructure development, advancements in power generation, and technological milestones such as Chandrayaan-3 reflect India’s growing global stature.
  • With the world’s fifth-largest economy and a stable democratic system, India has outpaced many neighbouring countries and older democracies.

Persistent Inequalities and Disparities

  • Despite impressive progress, wealth inequality and gender disparities persist.
  • A small elite controls a disproportionate share of national wealth, leaving many in poverty.
  • The Constitution guarantees justice and dignity for all, yet these promises remain unfulfilled for the most vulnerable groups.
  • Addressing these disparities is crucial for ensuring equal access to resources, opportunities, and a dignified life for all citizens.

Caste Discrimination

  • Caste-based discrimination, particularly practices like manual scavenging, continues to undermine the dignity and equality promised by the Constitution.
  • True fraternity requires the eradication of caste-based stigma and the recognition of every individual’s worth.
  • The state must increase efforts to eliminate such practices and promote a mindset of equality and respect.

Challenges in the Legal System

  • India’s legal system faces serious challenges with an overburdened judiciary and inadequate infrastructure.
  • With only 25,081 sanctioned judges for a population of over 1.4 billion, the judiciary struggles with heavy caseloads.
  • Reforms are needed to improve judicial strength, infrastructure, and streamline legal processes for quicker and more affordable justice.

Bridging the Digital Divide

  • India’s digital revolution has brought significant benefits but has also created a digital divide.
  • Millions, particularly in rural and disadvantaged areas, remain excluded from digital services due to geographical and financial limitations.
  • Bridging this divide is vital to ensuring equitable access to essential services and rights.

Addressing Climate Change

  • Climate change presents a severe threat to India’s diverse geography, affecting public health, agriculture, and safety.
  • The impacts of rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and natural disasters disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
  • Immediate policy interventions are necessary to mitigate these impacts and ensure sustainable development.

Conclusion

While India has made impressive strides in its 75 years of independence, the focus now should be on addressing inequalities, caste discrimination, and providing equitable access to resources and opportunities. Achieving these goals will fulfil the Constitution’s promise of dignity, justice, and equal opportunity for all citizens.

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:

Critically evaluate India’s achievements and challenges in fulfilling the constitutional promises of equality, dignity, and justice over the past 75 years. Suggest measures to address the existing issues. (150 Words / 10 Marks)

Details

Date:
January 25
Time:
7:00 am - 11:30 pm
Event Category:
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