6-January-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

NAVY THWARTS HIJACKING ATTEMPT IN ARABIAN SEA

GS 3 (SECURITY): SOURCE – THE HINDU

A recent hijacking attempt in the North Arabian Sea saw a successful intervention by the Indian Navy, ensuring the safe evacuation of all 21 crew members from the merchant vessel Lila Norfolk. The operation involved the deployment of marine commandos (MARCOS) and the interception by Indian Naval warship INS Chennai, displaying the Navy’s commitment to maritime security.

    

Key Points:

Forceful Warning and Evacuation:

• MARCOS conducted a sanitization operation, confirming the absence of hijackers.
• Indian Navy’s Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) issued a forceful warning to pirates, thwarting the hijacking attempt.
• INS Chennai supported the evacuation, restoring power generation, and facilitating the vessel’s voyage to the next port.

Response to Distress Signal:

• The distress signal from Lila Norfolk prompted the Indian Navy to divert INS Chennai, engaged in anti-piracy patrol.
• MPA overflew the vessel, establishing contact and ensuring the safety of the crew.

Enhanced Surveillance and Readiness:

• In response to rising incidents, the Indian Navy has increased maritime surveillance in the Central and North Arabian Sea.
• Augmented force levels showcase the Navy’s commitment to securing vital sea routes.

Conclusion:

The successful prevention of the hijacking incident underscores the Indian Navy’s vigilance and proactive measures in safeguarding maritime interests. The decisive response highlights the Navy’s capability to ensure the security and well-being of crew members in the face of evolving threats in the maritime domain.

INDIA’S GDP IS ESTIMATED TO GROW BY 7.3%, SAYS NSO

GS 3 (ECONOMY): SOURCE – THE HINDU

India’s GDP is projected to grow by 7.3% in the fiscal year 2023-24, slightly surpassing the Reserve Bank of India’s recent estimate of 7%.

                                  

• The National Statistical Office’s advance estimates indicate a growth of 7.7% in the first half of the year, with expectations for the second half to be around 6.9%-7%.
• Gross Value Added (GVA) growth is anticipated to ease from 7% to 6.9%, and nominal GDP growth at 8.9% compared to the 10.5% Budget estimate.
• Concerns arise over weak consumption growth at 4.4%, the slowest in two decades, impacting the share of private final consumption expenditure in GDP.

EC WRITES TO RAMESH, DISMISSES CONCERNS OVER EVMS, VVPATS

GS 2 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The Election Commission (EC) responded to concerns raised by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh regarding Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT). The EC asserted its confidence in EVMs and emphasized that the rules governing VVPAT were introduced by the Congress-led government in 2013.

Key Points:

No New Assertions:

• The EC dismissed Ramesh’s concerns, stating there were no new or reasonable doubts requiring further clarification.
• It highlighted that the recent letter did not raise any unaddressed issues on EVM/VVPAT.

Congress’s Role in VVPAT Rules:

• The EC pointed out that Rule 49A and 49M of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, governing VVPAT, were introduced by the Indian National Congress (INC) on August 14, 2013.

Confidence in EVMs:

• The EC expressed full faith in the use of EVMs in elections, citing legal frameworks, established jurisprudence, technical security, and administrative safeguards.

Political Parties’ Involvement:

• The EC highlighted the involvement of political parties and candidates at every stage of EVM handling, ensuring transparency and collaboration.

Conclusion:

The EC’s response reaffirms its confidence in the integrity of EVMs and addresses the concerns raised by Jairam Ramesh, emphasizing the transparency and established procedures associated with the electoral process.

CABINET GIVES NOD TO ‘PRITHVI’ PROGRAMME FOR EARTH OBSERVATION

GS 3 (SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The Union Cabinet has greenlit the ‘Prithvi’ programme, a comprehensive initiative under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) with a budget of ₹4,797 crore. This program aims to consolidate five existing schemes, emphasizing earth observation for understanding climate, oceans, geosphere, cryosphere, and solid earth.

Key Points:

Program Objectives:

• Prithvi focuses on long-term observations of Earth’s various components, predicting weather, understanding climate hazards, exploring polar and high-seas regions, developing technology for oceanic resource utilization, and translating scientific knowledge for societal benefits.

Integration with Deep Ocean Mission (DOM):

• The programme integrates with the Deep Ocean Mission (DOM), a significant aspect of MoES. DOM involves sending a manned submersible 6,000 meters into the Indian Ocean and was previously approved in 2021 with a budget of ₹4,000 crore for five years.

MoES Institutes:

• The Ministry operates through ten institutes, including the India Meteorological Department, National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting, and others. These institutes conduct research and operational activities supporting the Prithvi programme.

Research Support:

• A fleet of oceanographic and coastal research vessels plays a crucial role in providing necessary research support for the schemes under the Prithvi programme.

Conclusion:

The Cabinet’s approval of the Prithvi programme signifies a strategic move to enhance earth observation capabilities, advance climate science, and harness oceanic resources sustainably.

The integration with the Deep Ocean Mission demonstrates a comprehensive approach to understanding and utilizing Earth’s diverse ecosystems.

Additionally, the approval of a satellite development agreement with Mauritius further underscores India’s commitment to international collaboration in space research and innovation.

DRUG WAR

GS 3 (SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY): SOURCE – THE INDIAN EXPRESS

The misuse of antibiotics and the ensuing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) pose significant challenges to global health. A recent survey conducted by the National Centre for Disease Control has highlighted alarming statistics regarding antibiotic usage in India, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to tackle this growing crisis.

 

Key Points:

Prophylactic Antibiotic Use:

• The survey reveals that 55% of patients were prescribed antibiotics as a preventive measure (prophylaxis), while only 45% received antibiotics for treating infections.
• Alarmingly, over 50% of prescribed antibiotics have the potential to cause AMR, amplifying the risk of drug-resistant pathogens.

Impact of Antimicrobial Resistance:

• AMR occurs when pathogens evolve to resist antimicrobial drugs, rendering infections challenging to treat.
• WHO estimates show that bacterial AMR directly caused 1.27 million global deaths in 2019, undermining medical progress and making various procedures, including surgery and chemotherapy, riskier.

Root Causes and Global Impact:

• Unsound medical practices and overuse of antimicrobials contribute to the development of drug-resistant pathogens, exacerbating morbidity.
• The global impact of AMR necessitates urgent measures, including new drug development and equitable access to combat the crisis.

Conclusion:

The battle against AMR requires coordinated efforts from doctors, governments, and patients. Rational prescription practices, curbing the misuse of drugs in animal husbandry, and investing in antibiotic research are crucial steps.

Establishing strict regulations on antimicrobial use is vital for preserving the efficacy of antibiotics and ensuring the continued effectiveness of medical treatments.

The responsibility lies not only with healthcare professionals but also with governments to implement robust systems that safeguard against the misuse of antimicrobials, thereby drawing the line between life and death.

REGISTERED UNRECOGNISED POLITICAL PARTIES (RUPPS)

GS 2 (POLITY): SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has introduced new rules for Registered Unrecognized Political Parties (RUPPs) regarding symbol allocation.

• RUPPs, lacking sufficient votes to become a State party, or newly registered, must now submit audited accounts for the last three years and expenditure statements from the last two elections with their symbol applications.
• These guidelines also encompass parties that have never contested elections since their registration.
• The ECI allocates symbols to political parties under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, enhancing transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

DIRECT-TO-CELL

GS 3 (SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY): SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS

SpaceX, the American aerospace manufacturer, launched the inaugural set of Starlink satellites equipped with “Direct-to-Cell” capabilities.

• These satellites feature an advanced eNodeB modem, functioning as a space-based cellphone tower. Unlike conventional communication reliant on land-based towers, Starlink’s innovation enables direct satellite broadband connectivity on smartphones globally.
• Additionally, it facilitates the connection of Internet of Things (IoT) devices adhering to common LTE (Long-Term Evolution) standards.
• The IoT encompasses a network of physical devices embedded with sensors, software, and network connectivity for data collection and sharing. SpaceX’s development marks a significant advancement in global connectivity and IoT integration.