UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 30th December 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS3/Environment

Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP)

Source: Deccan Herald

Recently, a fire broke out just outside the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) in Mumbai, raising concerns about the safety and preservation of this vital green space.

• SGNP, formerly known as Borivali National Park, is one of the largest protected areas within Mumbai.
• The park spans an area of 103 square kilometers, encompassing part of the Thane District and the Mumbai Suburban District in Maharashtra.

Additional Details

• Significance: SGNP is renowned for its dense forests, rich birdlife, and a small population of tigers, making it an essential habitat for various species.
• Historical Importance: The Kanheri Caves, located centrally within the park, served as a crucial Buddhist learning center and pilgrimage site between the 1st and 9th centuries BCE, carved out of basaltic rock.
• The park features two artificial lakes, Tulsi Lake and Vihar Lake, along with a deer park, a lion safari, and the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi.

Flora and Fauna

• Flora: The park is home to various tree species, including Kadamba, Teak, Karanj, Shisham, and several types of acacia, Ziziphus, and euphorbias.
• Fauna: Wildlife includes mongoose, four-horned antelope, sambar, wild boar, langur, monkeys, magar, and panthers, alongside 251 bird species and numerous butterfly varieties.

The recent fire incident highlights the need for ongoing vigilance and protection of SGNP to preserve its unique ecosystem and heritage.

GS2/International Relations

What is the H-1B Visa Program?

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

The H-1B Visa Program has gained attention as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump expressed support for it while emphasizing the need to balance immigration policies with the protection of American jobs.

• The H-1B Visa allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations requiring high expertise.
• It is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor to address skill shortages in the U.S. workforce.
• Employment under H-1B is temporary but can be renewed.

Additional Details

• Purpose: The program provides access to specialized talent that is not readily available domestically.
• Annual Cap: There are 65,000 new H-1B visas available each year, with an additional 20,000 for workers holding U.S. master’s degrees or higher.
• Exemptions: Certain workers, such as those in higher education institutions, non-profits, or government research organizations, are exempt from this cap.
• Impact on Indian Workers: Indian nationals constitute the largest group of H-1B beneficiaries, accounting for 72.3% of approvals in FY 2023, which translates to approximately 279,000 approvals.
• Fields of Employment: About 65% of H-1B visa holders are employed in computer-related occupations, with others in architecture/engineering (9.5%) and education (6%).
• Median Compensation: The median salary for H-1B visa holders was $118,000 annually in 2023.
• Trends and Policy Changes:
  • Pre-COVID increase in admissions: 570,000 in 2018 and 601,000 in 2019.
  • COVID-19 impact: admissions dropped to 368,000 in 2020 and 148,000 in 2021.
  • Post-COVID recovery: admissions rose to 410,000 in 2022 and 755,000 in 2023.
  • Denial Rates: Denial rates increased during Trump's presidency, peaking at 24% in 2018 but declining to 4% by 2021, stabilizing at 2% in 2022.
  • Many denials during Trump's term were overturned upon appeal.

The H-1B Visa Program plays a crucial role in the U.S. economy by allowing the import of specialized talent, particularly from India, while also reflecting ongoing changes in immigration policy and labor market dynamics.

GS3/Economy

India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement Marks Two Years of Success

Source: Mint

The India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (Ind-Aus ECTA) has significantly enhanced economic relations, contributing to growth, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and employment in both countries. As it enters its third year, the Indian government is focused on maintaining this momentum to achieve its Vision 2047 goal of transforming India into a developed nation.

• Over 90% of Australian goods exports to India will be tariff-free, with 85% already in effect since December 29, 2022.
• 96% of imports from India are now tariff-free, aiming for 100% by 2026.
• The ECTA serves as a precursor to a comprehensive India-Australia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).
• Both nations target a bilateral trade of AUD 100 billion by 2030.

Additional Details

• Background: The ECTA was signed in April 2022 and came into effect on December 29, 2022.
• Significance for India:
  • Labour-Intensive Sectors: Immediate duty-free access for sectors currently facing 4-5% duties from Australia.
  • Manufacturing Sector: Key beneficiaries include textiles, apparel, leather, and machinery, giving India a competitive edge over Vietnam and Indonesia.
  • Power Sector: With coal being a major import, the Indian power sector benefits from reduced costs.
  • Service Sector: Australia has committed to facilitating Indian services in various fields, offering work visas and quotas for professionals.
• Surge in Bilateral Trade: Merchandise trade more than doubled from USD 12.2 billion in 2020-21 to USD 26 billion in 2022-23.
• Effective Implementation: The agreement has seen high utilization rates in exports (79%) and imports (84%) in 2023.
• Progress Towards CECA: Ongoing discussions for a comprehensive agreement build upon the foundations set by the ECTA.
• Vision for 2030: Both nations are committed to deeper economic integration and achieving the AUD 100 billion trade target.

The Ind-Aus ECTA has proven to be a pivotal step in enhancing bilateral relations, fostering economic growth, and setting the stage for future cooperation.

GS2/Polity

Prime Minister's Internship Scheme

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

The Prime Minister's Internship Scheme has gained attention due to its recent launch and the overwhelming response it has received, with over 6.21 lakh applications submitted for just 1.27 lakh opportunities available.

• The scheme aims to connect academic education with practical work experience.
• It targets youth aged between 21 and 24 years, offering internships in top 500 companies.
• Financial assistance includes a monthly stipend and a one-time grant for interns.

Additional Details

• Objective: The initiative is designed to provide valuable internship opportunities for the youth of India, helping them gain exposure to real-world business environments across various professions.
• Financial Support: Interns will receive a monthly allowance of Rs 5,000 for a duration of 12 months, along with a one-time grant of Rs 6,000 to support their internship experience.
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Applicants must be aged between 21 and 24 years and not engaged in full-time employment.
  • Internships are open to individuals who have completed at least class 10.
  • Individuals from households with government jobs, post-graduates, and those from families earning Rs. 8 lakh or more in the financial year 2023-24 are ineligible.

This scheme is a significant step towards enhancing the employability of young individuals in India, aiming to facilitate internships for one crore youth over the next five years, thus fostering a generation equipped with both academic knowledge and practical skills.

GS1/Geography

Western Disturbance

Source: The Tribune

A recent western disturbance has affected northern India, resulting in fresh snowfall in Kashmir and widespread rainfall across Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana. Weather experts have observed that these disturbances appear to be more intense than previously anticipated.

• A Western Disturbance (WD) is an extratropical storm that originates in the Mediterranean region and typically moves from west to east.
• These disturbances are propelled towards South Asia by the subtropical westerly jet stream.

Additional Details

• Formation and Origin: WDs develop over bodies of water such as the Mediterranean Sea, Caspian Sea, or Black Sea as low-pressure systems with upper-air cyclonic circulations.
• Movement: They move eastwards into India through northwestern regions, influenced by the jet stream.
• Seasonality: WDs are primarily active in winter, from November to March, but can also occur in other seasons.
• Regions Affected:
  • Northwestern India: Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Western Uttar Pradesh.
  • Himalayan states: Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir.
  • Occasionally affects central and eastern India.
• Weather Impact:
  • Rainfall and Snowfall: WDs cause winter rainfall in the northwestern plains and trigger snowfall in the Himalayas, crucial for replenishing glaciers and water reserves.
  • Temperature Effects:
    • Leads to a decrease in daytime temperatures due to cloud cover and precipitation.
    • Results in increased nighttime temperatures by trapping terrestrial radiation.
  • Agricultural Significance: Beneficial for Rabi crops like wheat and mustard due to increased moisture availability.
  • Disruptive Effects: Can cause flash floods, landslides, and avalanches in mountainous areas.
  • Interaction with Local Systems: When WDs interact with moist easterly winds from the Bay of Bengal, they can intensify, resulting in widespread precipitation.

In summary, western disturbances play a vital role in influencing weather patterns across northern India, impacting agriculture, water resources, and local climates significantly.

GS2/Polity

Poor Electoral Participation of Overseas Indian Voters in Lok Sabha Polls 2024

Source: The Hindu

Recent data from the Election Commission of India has revealed that approximately 1.2 lakh overseas Indians registered as voters for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, indicating a notable interest in electoral participation. However, the actual voter turnout was alarmingly low, with only a fraction of those registered casting their votes.

• 1.2 lakh overseas Indians registered as voters for the 2024 elections.
• Only 2,958 overseas voters traveled to India to vote, despite a significant increase in registrations since 2019.
• Legal and logistical barriers continue to hinder participation.

Additional Details

• Current Voting Process for NRIs: The Election Commission of India (ECI) permits Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to register as overseas electors if they have not acquired citizenship of another country. NRIs can vote only in person at their designated polling stations, where they must present their original passport for identity verification.
• Voting Rights Introduction: Voting rights for NRIs were established in 2011 through an amendment to the Representation of the People Act, 1950. As of January 1, 2023, there were over 1.15 lakh overseas voters registered.
• Proxy Voting Proposal: In 2018, the Lok Sabha passed a bill allowing proxy voting for NRIs, but it has since stalled in the Rajya Sabha.
• Postal Ballot Proposal: The ECI proposed in 2020 to allow NRIs to vote via postal ballots using the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS), which is currently available to service voters like armed forces personnel.
• Challenges include high travel costs and employment obligations, which deter many from voting in person.

Despite the enthusiasm shown by overseas Indians in registering to vote, with 119,374 enrolling in the 2024 voter list (up from 99,844 in 2019), the turnout remains disappointing. The Election Commission is under pressure to consider reforms, including postal voting, to improve participation rates among the Indian diaspora.

GS3/Environment

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

Source: India Today NE

Recently, Assam has established Anti-Depredation Squads (ADS) to safeguard the areas surrounding the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Morigaon, aiming to enhance conservation efforts.

• Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the eastern region of Guwahati, Assam.
• Established in 1998, it spans an area of 48.81 square kilometers.
• The sanctuary is part of the Brahmaputra flood plains and is home to numerous small hills.
• It is renowned for having the highest density of Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros in India.

Additional Details

• Geography: The sanctuary includes the Rajamayong Reserve Forest and Pobitora Reserve Forest, surrounded by hills such as Kasasila, Hatimuria, Boha, Kardia, Govardan, and Panbari.
• Conservation Efforts: Pobitora serves as a crucial source population for the Indian Rhinoceros Vision 2020 (IRV), with eight rhinos translocated to Manas National Park.
• Fauna: The grasslands are home to various species including the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros, Wild Water Buffalo, Monitor Lizard, and Wild Boar.
• Flora: Approximately 72% of Pobitora consists of wet savannah, featuring species such as Arundo donax, Erianthus ravennae, Phragmites karka, Imperata cylindrica, and Saccharum spp.
• Water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes) poses a significant threat, as it creates dense mats on water surfaces, impacting waterfowl.

The introduction of Anti-Depredation Squads reflects a proactive approach to wildlife conservation, ensuring that the unique biodiversity of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is preserved for future generations.

GS3/Environment

Pangolins and Their Conservation

Source: Indian Express

Recent events in Telangana have raised alarms regarding the illegal trafficking of pangolins, a nocturnal mammal facing significant demand in the global market. This situation has led to increased efforts to combat their smuggling and protect these vulnerable species.

• Pangolins are nocturnal mammals that defend themselves by curling into a ball, which makes them easy to catch.
• There are eight species of pangolins globally, with India being home to the Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) and the Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla).
• Both species are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 in India, making their hunting and trade illegal.
• Pangolins are critically endangered due to poaching and habitat loss, with the Chinese pangolin classified as 'Critically Endangered' and the Indian pangolin as 'Endangered' on the IUCN Red List.

Additional Details

• Pangolin Species: India hosts the Indian pangolin, found across various states including Andhra Pradesh, Assam, and Tamil Nadu. The Chinese pangolin is also present but is less common.
• Conservation Status: Since 2017, all pangolin species are listed in Appendix I of CITES, which prohibits their commercial trade.
• Ecological Role: Pangolins are considered "ecosystem engineers," as their burrowing helps improve soil quality and provides habitats for other species.
• Diet: These mammals primarily feed on ants and termites, utilizing their excellent sense of smell to locate food, while having poor vision and hearing.

Pangolins are the most trafficked mammals globally, driven by demand for their scales and meat, particularly in Asia and increasingly in Africa. Efforts to protect these unique creatures are crucial to maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity.

GS2/Governance

Incidents on Loop, But It’s Escape for Regulator, Airlines

Source: The Hindu

The aviation industry in India has recently faced significant safety concerns, highlighted by an incident on December 5, 2024, involving an Air India Airbus A320 at Goa’s Mopa Airport. The aircraft mistakenly entered a parallel taxiway instead of the main runway, leading to a rejected take-off. This event points to a larger, systemic issue: recurring runway confusion in Indian aviation.

• Recent incident underscores ongoing safety lapses in Indian aviation.
• Systemic failures in safety oversight, pilot training, and accountability mechanisms persist.
• Historical runway confusion incidents indicate a pattern of oversight failures.

Additional Details

• History of Safety Lapses: India's aviation record includes numerous incidents, such as a Jet Airways flight landing at an Indian Air Force base in 1993 and a SpiceJet aircraft landing on the wrong runway in 2008. More recent events, like an Air India A320 landing on an under-construction runway in the Maldives in 2018 and a SpiceJet hard landing in Guwahati in 2020, showcase persistent safety deficiencies.
• Failure of the DGCA: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is responsible for ensuring compliance with safety standards but often fails to investigate root causes of incidents, instead attributing them to pilot error. This undermines accountability and violates ICAO guidelines requiring thorough investigations.
• Ineffectiveness of Safety Audits: Safety audits are often superficial, missing critical deficiencies in infrastructure that are essential for safe operations, particularly under adverse conditions.
• Airlines’ Role: Airlines prioritize profitability over rigorous safety training and protocols, pressuring crews to meet tight schedules, which compromises safety.
• Culture of Blame-Shifting: There is a pervasive culture of blaming pilots for incidents, which obscures systemic issues and discourages open reporting of safety concerns.
• Poor Training and Infrastructure: Incidents highlight deficiencies in pilot training and aerodrome infrastructure, with operational pressures further exacerbating risks.

The incident at Goa’s Mopa airport is not an isolated occurrence but reflects deeper systemic issues within Indian aviation. To enhance safety, a collective effort from regulators, airlines, and policymakers is essential to foster accountability and prioritize crew welfare as India's aviation industry continues to grow.

GS3/Science and Technology

What is Bayraktar Akinci?

Source: Times Now

Turkey has achieved a significant milestone by successfully testing the firing of the supersonic missile UAV-122 from the Bayraktar Akinci drone, highlighting its advanced capabilities in unmanned combat missions.

• The Bayraktar Akinci is a long-endurance unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed by Baykar, a prominent Turkish drone manufacturer.
• It is designed to support fighter jets in various operational roles, capable of conducting both air-to-ground and air-to-air attack missions.

Additional Details

• Specifications: The drone measures 12.2 meters in length, 4.1 meters in height, and boasts a wingspan of 20 meters.
• Payload Capacity: It can carry a payload of up to 1,500 kilograms, allowing for a diverse range of weaponry.
• Flight Capabilities: The Akinci features a flight range of 25 hours and can operate at a distance of 7,500 kilometers.
• Technological Features: The drone is equipped with dual satellite communication systems, air-to-air radar, electronic support systems, collision avoidance radar, and synthetic aperture radar.
• The Akinci incorporates a triple redundant flight control system for enhanced operational reliability.
• AI Integration: It features a dual artificial intelligence (AI)-powered avionics system that enhances signal processing, sensor fusion, and situational awareness in real-time.
• Weaponry: The UCAV can be fitted with various weapon payloads, including laser-guided munitions, missiles, and long-range stand-off weapons.
• Additionally, it is the first drone capable of launching an air-launched cruise missile (ALCM).

In summary, the Bayraktar Akinci represents a significant advancement in drone technology, positioning Turkey as a key player in the field of unmanned combat aerial vehicles.

GS2/International Relations

Azerbaijan Airliner Crash and Geopolitical Context

Source: India Today

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his apologies to the Azerbaijani President following the tragic crash of an Azerbaijani airliner in Kazakhstan, resulting in the loss of 38 lives. The incident occurred on December 25, when the aircraft, en route from Baku to Grozny, diverted towards Kazakhstan and crashed during an attempted landing. Russia has confirmed that air defense systems were active near Grozny due to a Ukrainian drone strike but did not state that these systems were responsible for the plane’s crash.

• Azerbaijan is strategically located at the crossroads of West Asia and Eastern Europe.
• The country has significant oil and natural gas resources, influencing its economy and geopolitical stance.
• The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict remains a critical issue in Azerbaijan's relations with Armenia.

Additional Details

• Geographical Location: Azerbaijan is bordered by the Caspian Sea to the east, Russia to the north, Georgia to the northwest, Armenia and Turkey to the west, and Iran to the south. Its capital, Baku, is the largest city and serves as a key urban center.
• Economic Profile: The economy is largely driven by oil and natural gas, with Azerbaijan playing a crucial role in regional energy politics. The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline is a significant route for oil transportation to Europe.
• Geopolitical Importance: Azerbaijan's location in the South Caucasus makes it a vital link between Europe and Asia, contributing to its energy security and transportation corridors.
• Cultural Heritage: Azerbaijan is known for its rich cultural heritage, including Mugham music and UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Walled City of Baku.

The crash of the Azerbaijani airliner highlights the complex interplay of regional conflicts and the strategic importance of Azerbaijan in global energy politics. This incident underscores the ongoing tensions in the area, particularly relating to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, while also drawing attention to Azerbaijan's pivotal role in energy security and international relations.

GS2/International Relations

India to Host the First World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in 2025

Source: Hindustan Times

Prime Minister Modi recently announced that India will host the inaugural World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in February 2025. This significant event will mark India's first global summit focused on the Media and Entertainment industry.

• WAVES will be the first summit to cover the entire scope of the Media and Entertainment industry.
• The event aims to gather industry leaders and stakeholders to discuss the future of the sector.
• India's innovations in animation, gaming, and entertainment technology will be highlighted.

Additional Details

• Vision: To establish India as a leading global force in the Media & Entertainment sector and to set benchmarks for creativity and innovation worldwide.
• Mission: To provide global leaders in Media & Entertainment with exclusive investment opportunities through the WAVES platform.
• Objectives:
  • To create a space for idea generation, discussions, and collaborations among global M&E industry leaders.
  • To enhance India's Creative Economy through Intellectual Property (IP) creation for both domestic and international markets.
  • To present India as a favorable investment destination.
  • To improve India’s M&E infrastructure and develop a skilled workforce to meet global demands.
  • To embrace emerging trends and technologies in the M&E landscape.

This summit is expected to significantly boost India's position in the global Media and Entertainment arena and promote trade and investment in the sector.