UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 8th December 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS3/Economy

Khorlochhu Hydropower Project

Source:Money Control

Why in News?

Tata Power has initiated construction on the Khorlochhu Hydropower Project in Bhutan, which is valued at approximately Rs 6,900 crore. The project aims to support Bhutan's growing electricity needs while contributing to India's renewable energy initiatives, with a commissioning date anticipated in 2029.

Key Takeaways

• The Khorlochhu project is located on the Kholongchhu River in the Trashiyangtse district of Eastern Bhutan.
• It is the first energy project developed through a joint venture between India and Bhutan.
• The project will be executed by Khorlochhu Hydro Power Limited (KHPL), a collaboration between Bhutan's Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) and India's Tata Power.
• With a capacity of 600 MW, the project is expected to start operations in September 2029.

Additional Details

• Dam Specifications: The project will feature a concrete gravity dam that is 95 meters high, 165 meters long, and 6 meters wide, creating a reservoir that is 1.4 kilometers long with a gross storage capacity of 2.9 million cubic meters.
• Electricity Transmission: The generated electricity will be transmitted to the NEWNE grids of Bhutan and India via 400 kV transmission lines.
• The total estimated cost for the project is approximately ₹4,881.4 million (INR 46.32 billion), financed through a debt-equity ratio of 70:30, with the Government of India covering the equity share of DGPC.

The Khorlochhu Hydropower Project represents a significant step in enhancing energy cooperation between India and Bhutan, aiming to fulfill the increasing electricity demand while promoting sustainable energy solutions.

GS1/ Geography

Key Facts about Jhelum River

Source:The Hindu

Why in News?

Recently, a tragic incident occurred involving a five-year-old girl who died from multiple injuries after being allegedly thrown off a bridge over the Jhelum River in Srinagar by her mentally ill aunt. This incident has brought attention to the Jhelum River and its significance in the region.

Key Takeaways

• The Jhelum River is a major river in northwestern India and northern and eastern Pakistan.
• It is a significant tributary of the Indus River and the primary waterway in the Kashmir Valley.
• The river has a total length of approximately 725 km (450 miles).
• Major tributaries include the Kishenganga (Neelum) River and the Kunhar River.

Additional Details

• Origin: The Jhelum River originates at the Verinag Spring, located at Anantnag, at the foot of the Pir Panjal range in the Kashmir Valley.
• The river flows northwestward through the Vale of Kashmir to Wular Lake at Srinagar, which regulates its flow.
• The Jhelum River forms a deep, narrow gorge as it traverses towards Pakistan, ultimately joining the Chenab River near Trimmu.
• Major Tributaries: The largest tributary of the Jhelum is the Kishenganga (Neelum) River, which merges near Muzaffarabad. The Kunhar River serves as the second largest tributary, connecting Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan at the Kohala Bridge in the Kanghan valley.
• Other notable tributaries include the Sandran River, Bringi River, Arapath River, Watlara River, Lidder River, and Veshaw River.

The Jhelum River not only serves as a vital water source but also holds significant cultural and historical importance in the regions it traverses.

GS3/Environment and Ecology

Laysan Albatross

Source:Times of India

Why in News?

The Laysan albatross, recognized as the world’s oldest known wild bird, has made headlines recently as Wisdom, at the remarkable age of 74, has laid what experts estimate to be her 60th egg.

Key Takeaways

• The Laysan albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis) is a large seabird native to the North Pacific.
• Approximately 99.7% of the Laysan albatross population resides in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
• This species demonstrates incredible soaring abilities, traveling vast distances with minimal wing movement.

Additional Details

• Habitat: The Laysan albatross nests on open, sandy, or grassy areas of islands, predominantly on Laysan Island and Midway Atoll, as well as other small Hawaiian Islands, and select locations in Japan and Mexico.
• Physical Characteristics: They have blackish-brown backs and upper wings, with primary feathers showcasing white flashes. Their underwings are also white, bordered with black margins, and they possess a dark tail band visible in flight.
• Behavior: Laysan albatrosses are monogamous and mate for life, forming strong pair bonds.
• Conservation Status: Listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, highlighting the need for ongoing conservation efforts.

The resilience and longevity of the Laysan albatross, particularly exemplified by Wisdom, underscore the importance of marine conservation and the protection of their habitats to ensure the survival of this extraordinary species.

GS1/History, Art and Culture

Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 2024

Why in News?

The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development for 2024 has been awarded to Michelle Bachelet, the former president of Chile and a well-known advocate for human rights, as announced by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust.

Key Takeaways

• The award recognizes significant contributions to global peace and development.
• Michelle Bachelet is a prominent figure in human rights advocacy.

Additional Details

• About the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize: The prize was established in 1986 in memory of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. It includes a monetary award of 25 lakh rupees and a citation recognizing the recipient's efforts.
• Award Criteria: The prize is awarded to individuals or organizations that promote international peace and development, advocate for the use of scientific discoveries to enhance freedom, and contribute to establishing a new international economic order.
• Past Recipients: Notable recipients include Mikhail Gorbachev (1987), UNICEF (1989), Jimmy Carter (1997), Kofi Annan (2003), Angela Merkel (2013), Indian Space Research Organisation (2014), Manmohan Singh (2017), Sir David Attenborough (2019), Pratham NGO (2021), Indian Medical Association and the Trained Nurses Association of India (2022), and Daniel Barenboim and Ali Abu Awwad (2023).

This prestigious award highlights the ongoing commitment to recognizing and promoting peace and human rights on a global scale.

GS3/Environment and Ecology

What are Sacred Groves?

Source: DTE

Why in News?

Sacred groves are crucial for biodiversity and play a significant role as carbon sinks; however, they face numerous threats today.

Key Takeaways

• Sacred Groves: Patches of natural or near-natural vegetation dedicated to ancestral spirits or deities.
• Community Protection: Maintained by local communities through customary taboos and sanctions.
• Geographical Distribution: India has over 13,000 documented sacred groves, especially in states like Kerala, West Bengal, and Jharkhand.

Additional Details

• Local Names: Known as Kavu/Sarpa Kavu in Kerala, Devarakadu in Karnataka, and Deorai/Devrai in Maharashtra, among others.
• Variation in Sanctity: The sanctity of these groves differs; for instance, the Garo and Khasi tribes in northeastern India completely restrict human interference.
• Conservation Significance: Sacred groves serve as vital reservoirs of floral and faunal diversity, often being the last refuge for endemic species.

In conclusion, preserving India's sacred groves is essential for achieving conservation and climate goals, as emphasized by environmental experts.

GS3/Economy

SEBI Tightens Grip on SME IPO Market Amid Growing Concerns Over Misconduct

Source:Indian Express

Why in News?

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has cancelled the SME IPO of Trafiksol ITS Technologies and mandated refunds to investors, citing alleged misuse of funds through a shell entity. This action comes as SEBI plans to tighten SME IPO norms amidst booming investor interest and rising concerns over market misconduct.

Key Takeaways

• SEBI has taken action against Trafiksol ITS Technologies for misuse of funds.
• There is a growing concern over transparency and accountability in the SME IPO market.
• SEBI is proposing new regulations to enhance oversight and protect investors.

Additional Details

• What is an SME? Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are businesses with assets, revenues, or number of employees below a specific cut-off level. They play a crucial role in India's economy across various sectors such as manufacturing and services.
• What is an SME IPO? An SME IPO refers to the initial public offerings made by SMEs, allowing them to raise capital from the stock market with relaxed guidelines compared to mainboard IPOs.
• Features of SME IPOs:
  • The post-issue paid-up capital must not exceed ₹25 crore.
  • Eligibility requirements for directors and promoters are similar to those for regular IPOs.
  • SME IPOs are listed on dedicated platforms like NSE Emerge and BSE SME.
• The Growing SME IPO Market:
  • NSE SME Exchange has 417 companies with a market cap of ₹1.31 lakh crore.
  • BSE SME Exchange has 328 companies with a market cap of ₹68,500 crore.
  • Total SME market capitalisation is approximately ₹2 lakh crores.
  • In FY 2023-24, 196 IPOs raised over ₹6,000 crores.
  • As of October 15, FY 2024-25, 159 IPOs raised ₹5,700 crores.
• Rising Concerns in the SME IPO Market: SEBI has identified issues such as fund misuse, inflated revenues through transactions with related parties, and limited oversight due to promoter-driven structures.
• SEBI’s Proposed Regulatory Measures:
  • Doubling the minimum application value to ₹2 lakhs.
  • Increasing the minimum number of allottees for IPO success from 50 to 200.
  • Restricting Offer for Sale (OFS) limit to 20% of the issue size.
  • Mandating monitoring of IPO fund utilization and extending lock-in periods for promoters.

While SME IPOs present lucrative opportunities for investors, SEBI’s interventions highlight the importance of transparency and accountability. The proposed regulatory changes aim to safeguard investor interests, curb malpractices, and ensure sustainable growth in the SME segment.

GS3/Science and Technology

What is Kawasaki Disease?

Source:Times Now

Why in News?

Comedian Munawar Faruqui recently shared his experience regarding a challenging period in his life when his young son was diagnosed with Kawasaki disease, a rare but significant health condition affecting children.

Key Takeaways

• Kawasaki disease is also referred to as Kawasaki syndrome or mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome.
• This rare disease primarily affects children under five years of age and leads to fever and inflammation of blood vessels.
• It is one of the most common forms of acquired heart disease in children.

Additional Details

• Origin: Kawasaki disease was first identified in Japan by Tomisaku Kawasaki in 1967, with the first reported cases outside Japan occurring in Hawaii in 1976.
• Unknown Causes: The precise cause of Kawasaki disease remains unknown, although there is a higher incidence during late winter and early spring.
• Symptoms:Symptoms can present in two phases and may last several weeks, commonly including:
  • High fever lasting more than five days.
  • Red eyes without discharge.
  • Rash on the body, often concentrated in the chest and groin areas.
  • Swollen hands and feet, sometimes accompanied by redness.
  • Red, cracked lips and a swollen, red tongue.
  • Swollen lymph nodes, especially on one side of the neck.
• Treatment: Kawasaki disease is typically treated in a hospital setting with an intravenous (IV) dose of immunoglobulin (IVIG) antibodies. The primary aims of treatment are to reduce fever, alleviate swelling, and prevent potential heart damage.

Understanding Kawasaki disease is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment, which can significantly improve outcomes for affected children.

GS1/Indian Society

Who are Nicobarese?

Source: Nature

Why in News?

Recent genetic research has uncovered a significant ancestral link between the Nicobarese and Austro-Asiatic populations spread across South and Southeast Asia. This discovery sheds light on the historical connections and cultural heritage of the Nicobarese community.

Key Takeaways

• The term "Nicobarese" refers to an indigenous community residing in the Nicobar Islands.
• The Nicobar Islands are located approximately 1,200 km off the east coast of India in the Bay of Bengal.
• This community is not homogeneous and consists of four distinct cultural groups.
• According to the 2011 census, the Nicobarese population is 23,681, with a significant concentration in Car Nicobar.

Additional Details

• Geographic Location: The Nicobar Islands form part of the larger Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, covering a land mass of 1,841 sq. km, which is about one-fourth of the total area of the archipelago.
• Cultural Diversity:The Nicobarese belong to the Southeast Asian cultural complex and speak an Austro-Asiatic language. They are divided into four cultural groups based on their respective islands:
  • Car Nicobar
  • Chowra (Chaura), Bompoka (Bompooka), and Teressa
  • Katchal (Katchall), Nancowry, Kamorta (Camorta), and Trinket
  • Little Nicobar, Kondul, Pulo Milo (Pilomillow), and Great Nicobar
• The Nicobarese maintain a largely self-sufficient lifestyle, engaging in a mix of hunting, gathering, fishing, and pig raising.

In summary, the Nicobarese are a culturally rich and diverse community whose recent genetic findings highlight their connections to other Austro-Asiatic groups, emphasizing the importance of understanding their heritage and cultural practices.

GS3/Environment and Ecology

Anamalai Tiger Reserve

Source:The Hindu

Why in News?

The Coimbatore District Collector has granted community forest rights under the Forest Rights Act of 2006 to three tribal settlements located within the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR).

Key Takeaways

• The Anamalai Tiger Reserve is situated at an altitude of 1400 meters in the Anamalai Hills of Pollachi and Coimbatore Districts, Tamil Nadu.
• It was designated a tiger reserve in 2007 and is part of the Southern Western Ghats, south of the Palakkad gap.
• The reserve is surrounded by several protected areas, including the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Additional Details

• Habitat:The ATR encompasses a variety of habitat types, including:
  • Wet evergreen forests
  • Semi-evergreen forests
  • Moist deciduous forests
  • Dry deciduous forests
  • Dry thorn forests
  • Shola forests
  • Montane grasslands
  • Marshy grasslands
• Flora:The reserve hosts approximately 2500 species of angiosperms, including notable species such as:
  • Balsam
  • Crotalaria
  • Orchids
  • Kurinchi
  The area is also rich in wild relatives of cultivated plants, including mango, jackfruit, wild plantain, ginger, turmeric, pepper, and cardamom.
• Fauna:Key wildlife species found in the reserve include:
  • Tiger
  • Asiatic elephant
  • Sambar
  • Spotted deer
  • Barking deer
  • Jackal
  • Leopard
  • Jungle cat

The granting of community forest rights is a significant step towards recognizing and empowering the tribal communities within the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, ensuring their rights over forest resources and promoting sustainable conservation practices.

GS1/Geography

Row over Tungsten Mining near Madurai

Source:The Hindu

Why in News?

The recent award of tungsten mining rights to Hindustan Zinc Limited, a subsidiary of Vedanta Limited, in the biodiversity-rich Melur region of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, has sparked significant controversy. This auction, part of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, aims to exploit strategic minerals, including tungsten, which are crucial for high-tech and green energy applications.

Key Takeaways

• Tungsten is a critical mineral with applications in various industries including defense and clean energy.
• The mining site overlaps with biodiversity heritage areas, raising environmental and cultural concerns.

Additional Details

• Tungsten: A rare, heavy metal known for its exceptional hardness and the highest melting point (3,422°C) among all metals. It is primarily extracted from minerals like scheelite and wolframite.
• Applications: Tungsten is used in industrial tools, electronics, aerospace, medical applications, and green energy technologies.
• Controversy: Environmentalists are concerned that mining could damage local flora and fauna, and threaten cultural landmarks. Activists have raised alarms regarding Vedanta's environmental record, citing past pollution issues.
• Government's Position: The Tamil Nadu government opposes the mining project, while the Union government asserts that there was no prior opposition during the auction process.

The controversy surrounding tungsten mining in Madurai highlights the ongoing struggle between resource exploitation and the need for environmental preservation. The outcome of this situation may influence how similar resource management conflicts are handled in India in the future.

GS2/International Relations

The New Phase of War in Syria

Source:Indian Express

Why in News?

Syria's enduring civil war has captured renewed global attention following a major offensive by rebel forces. Insurgents have taken control of Aleppo, the largest city in Syria, along with several surrounding towns and villages. This offensive represents the most intense fighting since the ceasefire established in 2020.

• Rebels have also gained complete control over Daraa province, marking their third significant victory after Aleppo and Hama, with intentions to advance into Homs 
• and Sweida.

Key Takeaways

• Syria's civil war is experiencing a significant escalation following recent rebel advances.
• The ongoing conflict reflects the complex dynamics involving various international and local players.

Additional Details

• Origin: The Syrian civil war began around the "Arab Spring" in 2010, which triggered uprisings across the Middle East and North Africa against longstanding authoritarian regimes. While some nations achieved regime changes, many protests were suppressed.
• Role of Social Media: Platforms like Twitter played a crucial role in disseminating pro-democracy ideas during the uprisings.
• Foreign Involvement: The US and Russia engaged based on their strategic interests, significantly impacting the conflict's trajectory.

Conflict in Syria

• Protests against President Bashar al-Assad emerged as he has maintained power since 2000.
• Although Assad's regime controls most of Syria, certain regions, including Kurdish-majority areas and territories held by the Islamic State, remain outside his control.

The 2020 Ceasefire in Idlib

• A ceasefire negotiated by Turkey and Russia in March 2020 established relative calm in Idlib province, where Turkey supports Syrian rebels and Russia backs the Assad regime.
• Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former al-Qaeda affiliate, has maintained control in Idlib despite being designated a terrorist group by several nations.

Significance of the Current Syrian Offensive

• The latest rebel offensive is the most significant effort in years, echoing strategies used in past conflicts.
• Assad's regime shows vulnerabilities, especially with key allies like Iran and Hezbollah diverted to other regional conflicts.
• Recent tensions in the region, including Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah, indicate ongoing instability despite a temporary ceasefire.

In summary, the renewed offensive in Syria underscores the complexities and shifting dynamics of the civil war, highlighting the roles of various domestic and international actors. As the situation evolves, the potential for further conflict remains high, with implications for regional stability and international relations.